Temporary encampment in Winnipeg’s West End goes up in flames
A temporary encampment in Winnipeg’s West End went up in flames on Sunday evening.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to the fire in the 600 block of Langside Street just after 6 p.m.
When crews got to the scene, they found several tents engulfed in smoke and flames.
The City of Winnipeg noted that several small explosions occurred, caused by compressed gas cylinders and propane tanks.
Everyone at the encampment safely got out, as well as tenants of two nearby homes. No one was hurt in the fire.
Staff with The Downtown Community Safety Partnership came to the scene to help the displaced residents.
The cause of the fire is being investigated. The encampment was destroyed and one neighbouring home sustained minor heat and smoke damage.
Firefighters in Winnipeg have responded to 20 fires in encampments since Oct. 30, describing six of them as significant.
Fire Chief Christian Schmidt said these fires put residents, the public and first responders at risk.
“People have sustained significant burn injuries at these encampments as a result of fires,” he said. “These folks suffer on their own in the community and at some point, they turn up deceased in the community or they present to the hospital with severe burns and infections. It’s a real concern.”
The WFPS estimates there are between 10 and 15 multi-person encampments in the city at any given time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.