Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews responded to a fire at a building where chemicals were potentially stored inside, prompting a hazmat response on Thursday morning. The blaze broke out in a structure located in the 600 block of Selkirk Avenue, according to officials.
Emergency Response and Hazmat Measures
Firefighters arrived on scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time and encountered heavy smoke and flames. Due to the suspected presence of hazardous materials, a hazmat team was deployed to assess the situation and ensure the safety of both responders and the public. Crews worked to contain the fire while monitoring air quality in the surrounding area.
“We are taking every precaution given the potential chemical hazard,” said a spokesperson for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. “The hazmat team is conducting assessments to determine the exact nature of the materials involved.”
Impact on the Community
Residents in the vicinity were advised to close windows and doors as a precautionary measure. No evacuations were ordered, but emergency personnel remained on standby. Traffic in the area was temporarily rerouted to facilitate firefighting operations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities are working to identify the building’s occupants and any chemical substances stored on site. The incident highlights ongoing risks associated with urban fires involving hazardous materials.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
