'A big blow to everyone': Fire destroys Winkler shop
A fire destroyed a popular paint and hobby shop in Winkler Thursday afternoon with black smoke prompting Winkler police to close off a stretch of Highway 32 for more than an hour.
Winkler fire crews were called to Janzen’s Paint and Decorating on Centennial Street at 12:20 in the afternoon.
“There was a lot of smoke, a lot of flames, and within the hour, we saw walls falling and paint cans popping. It was just, a lot. A lot to watch in a very short time,” Arlen Thiessen, property manager with A L Group of Companies told CTV News.
Thiessen said the first priority was making sure everyone evacuated safely.
“It was very quick. We did a kind of inventory of people, and realized luckily at the time, there were no customers in the store, so got all the staff out,” Thiessen said.
Winkler Fire Chief Richard Paetzold told CTV News the fire was already well-involved when crews arrived.
“We attempted an offensive attack for a short period, but because of the contents of the building and the nature of the hazards, we quite soon went into a defensive mode,” Paetzold said.
Thiessen said that shift likely prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent building.
“The amazing work of the fire department did save that building, so we’re very thankful of them for that,” Thiessen added.
Chief Paetzold said the Winkler Fire Department received assistance from crews out of Morden and Altona. He said they remained on the scene for 12 hours and had to rotate frequently because of the cold.
“Some of our firefighters did suffer from frostbite, but other than that, there were no other injuries.”
Thiessen said the loss of a locally-owned business is devastating.
“They got toys and games and model cars and everything you could think of in the hobby world,” Thiessen explained. “So, it’s a beloved business in the community and it’s a big blow to everyone.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city, marking the first franchise in Canada
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.