Tenants from 54 suites in a south Winnipeg apartment building that caught fire Tuesday don’t know when they’ll be able to return home.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called around 1:23 p.m. to an apartment on the 200 block of St. Anne’s Road for reports of smoke coming from the building.
When crews arrived on scene, they said there was an active fire in the basement. They were able to get the blaze under control just after 3:30 p.m.
Officials with Sussex Realty, which owns the building, said the fire started in the electrical room.
Since the fire, the building has lost power and heat, making it inhabitable.
“There will be engineers and perhaps Manitoba Hydro and perhaps electrical contractors to see what caused the electrical failure,” said Sussex Realty co-owner Ron Campbell.
He added there’s no timeline for when residents can return to their units.
John Black, a retired platoon chief with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, was evacuated from the building with his wife.
Black said there’s been little communication between Sussex Realty and residents.
“There is no recourse. People had to go, and a lot of people don’t have anywhere to go,” he said.
Campbell confirmed tenants had to find their own accommodations, and the City of Winnipeg provided a social worker for tenants who had specific needs.
“We regret the inconvenience and ask (residents) to cope to the best to their ability.”
