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
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.