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Friday evening, a vacant home on Stella Avenue became the scene of yet another destructive fire, marking its third in two years.
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The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) was alerted to the blaze in the 600 block of Stella Avenue at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Fire crews found heavy smoke and flames pouring from the structure. WFPS said the intensity of the fire and the dangerous conditions it created forced firefighters to adopt a defensive strategy, battling the blaze from the exterior rather than risking entry into the building. This defensive fire attack continued for over two hours, finally declaring the fire under control at 11:47 p.m.
The already compromised structure, which had sustained significant damage in previous fires in May 2024 and August 2022, was further ravaged by Friday night’s blaze. The combined effects of fire, smoke, and water have left the building in a state beyond repair, necessitating emergency demolition.
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The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined whether there is a connection between this incident and the previous fires at the property.
This fire adds to the growing concerns about vacant and abandoned homes in Winnipeg, which have become hotspots for such incidents. Local residents have expressed frustration and fear over the recurring fires in these neglected structures, which not only pose a risk to the immediate area but also drain resources from the fire department.
As investigators work to determine the cause of this latest fire, questions remain about the future of the site and the broader issue of vacant properties in the city.
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