Winnipeg police are calling for tips from the public in a blaze that damaged four houses on Jefferson Avenue on the weekend. The arson strike unit is investigating the fire in the 100 block of Jefferson Avenue.
The fire started in a house under construction around 8:30 a.m. on May 19 and spread to two homes to the west and one to the east.
“Witnesses on the scene have placed a few youths leaving the scene just prior to the house being engulfed in flames,” said District Chief Barry Evans.
He said no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
The house where the fire began was demolished by crews after the blaze was extinguished.
Brad Larocque and his family, including four children, live in the house directly to the east of the one where the fire began.
“I heard woosh and I looked out my kitchen window it was glowing orange,” said Larocque. “I went to go look but then I figured that’s a bad idea because I knew what it was and I woke everybody up and got everybody out.”
He said he saw a youth run out of the house and down a back lane.
“This was no accident. They were playing with fire and they burnt somebody’s house down,” he said.
He believes his house, where his family has lived for four years, will have to be demolished and completely rebuilt.
The fire department estimates the cost of the damage to all four homes at more than $400,000.
Police said anyone with information on the suspects or the fire can call 204-986-6813 or Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477.
