One person was taken to hospital in unstable condition after a fire broke out early Sunday morning at a high-rise apartment building in Winnipeg's Centennial neighbourhood, city officials said.
Early morning response on Elgin Avenue
Fire crews were called to the building on Elgin Avenue — between Isabel and Sherbrook streets — just after 4:30 a.m., the City of Winnipeg said in a news release. Responding crews reported smoke billowing from the structure on arrival and additional units were dispatched because of the elevated risks associated with high-rise incidents.
Firefighters fought the blaze and had it under control shortly after 5:15 a.m., according to the release. Paramedics assessed two people at the scene; one was transported to hospital in unstable condition.
“Fire crews saw smoke billowing out when they got there,” the city said in a statement.
Investigation and immediate neighbourhood impact
The cause of the fire is being investigated. City officials did not release further details about the unit or floor affected, the age of the occupant taken to hospital, or whether other residents were displaced.
High-rise fires present particular hazards for both occupants and firefighters. Smoke can spread quickly through stairwells, elevator shafts and ventilation systems, and evacuation of tall buildings is logistically complex. The early-morning timing likely affected many residents who were asleep at the time of the call.
- Response time: Crews arrived just after 4:30 a.m.; fire declared under control by about 5:15 a.m.
- Casualties: Two people assessed by paramedics; one taken to hospital in unstable condition.
- Current status: Fire being investigated by authorities.
Timeline
| Time (approx.) | Event |
|---|---|
| Shortly after 4:30 a.m. | Fire crews called to Elgin Avenue high-rise; smoke observed on arrival |
| Just after 5:15 a.m. | Fire reported under control |
| Following arrival | Two people assessed by paramedics; one transported to hospital in unstable condition |
What residents should know
At this stage, officials have not issued a broader evacuation order for surrounding blocks nor released information about power or building access restrictions. Neighbours and people who live in nearby towers should expect ongoing emergency activity while investigators work and should follow directions from Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and other authorities.
Residents with concerns about friends or family in the building are advised to contact emergency services for updates rather than going to the scene, which can impede operations.
High-rise fires in Winnipeg are treated as priority incidents because of their potential to affect many people in a short time. Additional crews are routinely called to such scenes to manage fire attack, search-and-rescue and ventilation — all critical to limiting harm and bringing a blaze under control quickly.
Officials said only that the fire remains under investigation. Further details, including the cause of the blaze and the condition of the person taken to hospital, will be released as they become available.
This report will be updated as more information is provided by city and emergency officials.
