Winnipeg police investigating 'suspicious' house fire as homicide

Crews on scene of the fire on William Avenue on Jan. 21, 2022.

Officers with the Winnipeg Police Service are investigating a house fire on William Avenue West as a homicide.

The fire began around 11:55 p.m. on Thursday in the 1900 block of William Avenue West and left one man dead.

When Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews got to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. At first, firefighters attacked the fire from inside the house, but eventually switched to an exterior attack due to deteriorating conditions.

Once they knocked down some of the flames, they were able to go back into the house. Crews had the fire under control by 1:15 a.m. on Friday.

Crews searched the home and found one person, who was declared dead at the scene. Police have identified the victim as Brian Robert Scibak, 61. A dog was also found dead inside the home.

Officers described the fire as “suspicious.”

Anyone with information that could help the homicide unit is asked to call 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.