West St. Paul home a total loss after massive fire

A West St. Paul home is a total loss after it went up in flames Thursday.

The West St. Paul Fire Department was called to the home at the corner of River Edge Drive and Mariners Trail just before noon.

Crews arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters learned that the occupants of the home were not there when the fire broke out, and were safe.

Crews used a defensive attack to douse the flames, covering exposures to make sure they did not spread to neighbouring homes.

"We had the roof collapsing, and we were getting main floor collapses, as well. Once we deemed that there were no occupants, there was no need for us to enter," said West St. Paul Fire Department Chief Ryan Yackel.

Crews and resources from the RMs of St. Andrews and Stony Mountain Rockwood also helped in the fight.

The roof appears to be completely burnt out, and a charred vehicle was also seen in the driveway.

Water tankers were brought in to douse the fire, and hydro crews were also seen in the area disconnecting power to nearby homes.

The home is considered a total loss, and will be demolished as soon as possible.

- With files from CTV's Scott Andersson

Crews from the West St. Paul Fire Department are seen battling a blaze at a home on River Edge Drive on July 4, 2024. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)