Black plumes of smoke could be seen across the city Thursday evening after a fire broke out on the rooftop of an apartment complex in the River-Osborne area.
The blaze broke out just before 7 p.m. in an 18-storey apartment building at 221 Stradbrook Avenue, near Donald Street.
The #Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is fighting a structure fire at a high-rise apartment building in the 200 block of Stradbrook Ave. While the fire has been declared under control, people should avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/D145OJhePc
— City of Winnipeg (@cityofwinnipeg) August 18, 2023
Heavy black smoke and flames were seen billowing from the rooftop when crews arrived at the scene. Firefighters made their way to the roof, using the building's standpipe system to battle the fire. The fire was declared under control a short time later.
Most residents self-evacuated before firefighters arrived. Others had to be evacuated by firefighters. One person was transported to hospital in unstable condition. A firefighter was also transported to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
While fire damage was mostly isolated to the roof, the building sustained extensive water damage, and residents were unable to return to their suites.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Winnipeg fire at 715pm today, Stradbrook. Pretty crazy hearing all the firetrucks and tons of black smoke, hope everyone is okay & safe! pic.twitter.com/s1Dh0aVBzX
— Katrina (@NeuroArmstrong) August 18, 2023