Residents trapped in Winnipeg retirement home during overnight fire
An overnight fire at a Winnipeg retirement home left some residents trapped inside the building, and sent six people to the hospital.
At 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) was called to the fire at the St. Josaphat Selo-Villa, an eight-storey high-rise on McGregor Street for peopled aged 55+.
Several 911 calls indicated that residents were trapped in the building because of heavy smoke in the hallways, and that several people with disabilities needed help getting out.
Due to the potential risks, the WFPS called in a second alarm to increase the number of crews on scene.
Once firefighters arrived at the building, they found heavy smoke and flames. Crews went inside to fight the fire and rescue those trapped in their suites. Some residents were helped down the stairs, while others were rescued from the windows using ground ladders.
Paramedics assessed about 25 people, with six sent to the hospital in stable condition. No members of the WFPS were hurt.
An aerial ladder firetruck was used to help extinguish the fire, which was declared under control by 2:10 a.m. Firefighters then extinguished hotspots and ventilated smoke.
Most of the damage was contained to a suite on the third floor, but several other areas sustained smoke and water damage. There are no damage estimates at this time, and the fire was likely accidentally caused by an electrical issue.
Winnipeg Transit brought buses to the scene to provide shelter for residents. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team also went to the scene to help about 15 displaced residents find temporary accommodations.
The city notes that the cold weather brought challenges to firefighters, with the area around the scene becoming slippery and covered in ice. Crews were given breaks from the cold as required.
The city will be monitoring the area and applying sand and de-icing tools to the roads and sidewalks as needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Police say another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.