Multiple fires and gas leaks keep Winnipeg firefighters busy as the long weekend begins.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to several fires and gas leaks in various parts of the city over the weekend.

Friday evening at 11:54 p.m., WFPS crews responded to a fire at a two-story industrial structure on Henry Avenue. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke and flames outside the building. Firefighters attacked with a truck with an aerial ladder and prevented the fire from spreading to the building. The fire was extinguished at 12:44. No residents were found inside the building, no injuries were reported. Now the cause of the fire is being determined.

At 1:02 a.m. Saturday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a vacant multi-story industrial building on Sutherland Avenue. The building previously caught fire in July 2023 and has suffered several significant fires since then. Firefighters began an exterior attack using aerial ladders and hand cables to extinguish the flames. WFPS drones were deployed to help direct crews to hot spots. The fire was extinguished at 02:14

However, at 5:06 a.m., crews were called back to the area for another fire. Once again, they found smoke and flames coming from the building and launched a defensive attack. The fire was extinguished at 6:11 am. There were no injuries at the scene. Both fires are under investigation.

In the midst of these events, at 4:20 a.m. Saturday, WFPS crews responded to a gas leak at a four-story hotel on Fort Street. Crews found gas leaking from a damaged line outside the building and quickly evacuated about 40 residents from the hotel. A Winnipeg Transit bus was dispatched to provide shelter for evacuees. Manitoba Hydro crews arrived on scene to repair the leak. Residents reoccupied the hotel after the building was deemed safe. No injuries were reported.

Later in the morning, at 5:29 a.m., WFPS responded to a fire at a vacant, industrial/commercial structure on Logan Avenue. The building was previously damaged by a fire that broke out in August 2023. Crews found smoke coming from the remaining structure and launched a defensive attack. Logan Avenue between Arlington Street and McPhillips Street will remain closed until crews clear the scene. Residents are asked to stay away from the area. As a precautionary measure, train traffic on the adjacent road has been suspended. There are no casualties. An investigation into the fire is underway.

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