Winnipeg, MB - At 9:38 a.m. on January 9, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to a fire alarm in a single family residence in the 800 block of Wellington Crescent. Upon arrival, crews found a working fire in the basement of the home. An offensive attack was initially launched; however, due to deteriorating conditions and with compromised floors, crews were forced to exit the structure and fight the fire defensively. Heavy equipment was brought in to bring down portions of the house to allow firefighters access to hotspots. The fire was declared under control at 3:55 p.m. Crews will remain on scene into the evening.
All residents of the house were safe and accounted for. Crews located two dogs in the residence. Attempts were made, but the dogs were unable to be resuscitated.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries on scene, with one of them requiring transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire will be under investigation and no damage estimates are available at this time.
Wellington Crescent is currently closed to traffic. It will reopen once crews are done at the scene. Motorists in the area should exercise caution as the water used to fight the fire covered the roadway and has now frozen. The City will be monitoring the area and applying sand and de-icing agents as required.