Winnipeg police seek teen suspects in downtown blaze

WINNIPEG – Police are looking for five teens in connection with a blaze that sent flames high over downtown Winnipeg on Monday evening.

Witnesses saw three girls and two boys, aged 14 or 15, run from the area when the fire broke out at 44 Hargrave St. at about 6:45 p.m., police said.

WATCH: Resident of neighbouring building shocked by damage from Hargrave blaze

The fire engulfed the apartment block, causing walls to collapse, sending flames shooting high into the sky and out of windows and forcing people out of neighbouring buildings. Smoke from the blaze could be seen as far away as Brunkild, Man., 45 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg. Damage is estimated at $1 million, police said.

PHOTOS: Winnipeg fire crews battle huge blaze downtown

WATCH: 44 Hargrave Street engulfed in flames Monday evening

The neighbouring building was still under evacuation early Tuesday afternoon. The fire cracked windows and caused smoke damage and there was water in the basement of 42 Hargrave, officials explained.

The four-storey apartment block at 44 Hargrave had stood empty since 2007 and attracted squatters and graffiti, neighbours said.

Wayne Imrie of Imrie Demolition said they were slated to demolish the building two months ago, but the owners were given a 90-day extension.

Firefighters didn’t attempt to douse the fire but worked to keep it from spreading to nearby buildings.

“The silver lining is no one was hurt,” said Michalyshen. “But putting people at risk is very concerning.”

Crews demolished the building, which was constructed in 1920, overnight. Power to the area was turned off during the demolition but restored by midnight, Manitoba Hydro said.

“We know big fires like this start small, and if we can take away opportunities, that’s the goal,” said Michalyshen.

The Winnipeg Police Service arson unit is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 204-986-6813 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

— With files from Lauren McNabb