Emergency demolition set for North Point Douglas house after early Sunday morning fire

January 19, 2025 Canuck

The smell of smoke was thick in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas neighbourhood Sunday morning as firefighters battled the billowing flames at a vacant two-storey house.

Crews were called to the scene on Austin Street between Selkirk and Lisgar Avenues around 6:20 a.m., a news release from the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service said.

A group of firefighters and up to 20 emergency vehicles, including an aerial ladder were on site to attack the flames shooting from the upper level of the building’s exterior. Firefighters worked in rotation so they could take breaks from the freezing temperatures outside, the release said.

North Point Douglas rooming house to be demolished Sunday after early morning fire

3 hours ago

Duration 1:16

Crews doused flames on a rooming house on Austin Street Sunday morning, the second fire there in the past year.

There were no injuries reported at the scene, but the house sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage.

Crews will be arranging an emergency demolition due to structural concerns and to ensure all of the hot spots have been extinguished, the release said. People should expect road closures in the area until the demolition is complete.

WATCH | Fire crews battle flames at Winnipeg rooming house:

Crews respond to rooming house fire on Austin Street

7 hours ago

Duration 0:31

Heavy smoke billows from the upper level of a rooming house on fire Sunday morning on Austin Street near Selkirk Avenue. Firefighters were called to the scene around 6:20 a.m.

Residents nearby should also be cautious as water used to fight the fire has frozen, creating slippery conditions. Crews will be applying sand and other de-icing methods to improve traction on sidewalks and roadways.

Firefighters were also called to put out a fire at this location in March where previous residents at the home were able to self-evacuate before fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported during the fire.

The City of Winnipeg reminds people to report incidents where boarded windows or doors have been breached to 311 by phone or online. People can call 911 if they see someone actively entering a vacant building or removing boards from windows or doors.

View original article here Source