It’s been a busy Monday morning for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.
Fire crews were first dispatched to a blaze at a commercial building in the 1000 block of Keewatin Street, just before 4:45 a.m. Officials said the street will remain closed, between Inkster Boulevard and Church Avenue, until work at the scene is completed and the fire is fully extinguished.
Upon arrival at the scene, officials said heavy smoke and flames were seen coming out of the building. An investigation is underway as officials noted that the building suffered significant fire and water damage.
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A second incident, in the 400 block of Elgin Avenue, saw crews tackling a fire involving two vacant two-storey houses. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 6:10 a.m. to find a fire attacking the homes and threatening to engulf a third house.
Officials said residence of the third house were evacuated.
While the fire has been placed under control, officials said crews will remain on the scene to put out any hot spots. They also said that the houses affected received extensive damage from previous fires and are now considered to be a complete loss. Both are set to be demolished.
An investigation on that fire is underway and Elgin Avenue is closed until a demolition is completed later on Monday.