Police say a fire that sent six people to the hospital is believed to have been set for financial gain.
On the evening of Februray 20, Festival du Voyageur patrons saw, and smelled, a serious fire at a nearby automobile business. Around 8 p.m. that evening fire crews were called to an auto business in the 100 block of Provencher Boulevard to extinguish the large fire.
The large fire created heavy smoke and flames, resulting in a bystander and five nearby residents being sent to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. There was no one inside the building at the time of the fire.
— United Firefighters of Winnipeg (@UFFW867) February 21, 2020
The entire building was engulfed, making it difficult for firefighters to launch an offensive attack. Instead, the crews began using a drone and aerial ladder trucks to control the situation.
The boulevard remainder closed between Tache Street and Aulneau Street as crews worked overnight and residents were asked to stay indoors with their windows closed.
At the time, the fire was considered suspicious. Police now say it was arson.
The Winnipeg Police Service now says the fire caused over $1 million in damages as it destroyed the entire building and everything inside. Several vehicles were also destroyed.
The service's Major Crimes Unit says they believe the fire was intentionally set for financial gain.
A 41-year old Winnipegger is being charged with Arson Causing Damage to Property and Arson for Fraudulent Purposes. He was arrested and released on an undertaking.
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