Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Alexander Avenue and Manitoba Avenue

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a gas leak on Roch Street

Released: 9:59 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – At 3:33 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of an outside fire in the 1000 block of Roch Street.

When crews arrived, they observed a downed power line that had severed an underground gas line. The gas that was released from the severed gas line underground was burning off above the ground causing flames.

Additional WFPS crews were called to the scene to assist with mitigation and evacuation. Nearby homes were evacuated, and a Winnipeg Transit bus was deployed to the scene to provide temporary shelter for evacuees.

Manitoba Hydro attended the scene and began the process of capping the gas line to put out the fire and to repair the downed power line.

Both WFPS and Manitoba Hydro took gas readings in the area. No gas was identified in any nearby structures or homes at any point. WFPS crews have departed the scene, and Manitoba Hydro remains on scene. Operations may affect power in the area.

No injuries were reported. Damage estimates are not available.

Share your thoughts on parking in Winnipeg

Feedback will help inform new five-year Winnipeg Parking Strategy

Released: 10:36 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – As the City of Winnipeg works towards developing a new five-year comprehensive parking strategy, we want to understand the parking challenges facing residents, visitors, and businesses who rely on effective parking and curbside management.

Winnipeggers are invited to share their thoughts on parking concepts the City is considering by taking the survey, or attending one of two virtual events in February:

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021
Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom, Register here

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom, Register here

The Winnipeg Parking Strategy will outline the City’s five-year vision for on-street parking, off-street parking, and broader curbside management, with the goal of improving parking convenience and accessibility. Your feedback will help ensure the final recommended strategy reflects community values.

Feedback is being accepted until February 19. For more information, and to get involved, visit: winnipeg.ca/parkingstrategy.

Targeted DED operation to begin in select parks

Residents reminded to keep distance from work areas

Released: 2:57 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg will soon begin large-scale tree removal and maintenance operations in three high-traffic parks.

With mild weather and an increasing number of Winnipeggers heading outdoors for fitness and recreation, parks visitors are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and obey both cautionary signage and access restrictions that may be put into place to protect passersby from falling debris.

Activities are scheduled to take place during the following timeframes, weather dependent:

• King’s Park: Monday, January 18 through February 5
• Maple Grove Dog Park: January 25 through February 11
• St. Vital Park: February 1 through February 19

Crews will also undertake DED burns at riverside locations within these parks where diseased trees cannot be easily accessed by vehicles. Winnipeggers are reminded to keep a safe distance from the worksites and refrain from disturbing wood piles and debris. In accordance with the Forest Health Protection Act and to protect the urban forest from Dutch elm disease, transporting and storing untreated elm wood is prohibited.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Alexander Avenue and Manitoba Avenue

Released: 9:05 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – At 5:16 p.m. on January 15, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a house fire in a two-storey duplex in the 400 block of Alexander Avenue.

When crews arrived on scene, they encountered smoke coming from one of the suites. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 5:29 p.m.

No one was home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are currently available.

At 6:21 p.m. on January 15, 2021, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in vacant one-and-a-half storey house in the 400 block of Manitoba Avenue.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the house. They initially entered the house but were forced to retreat due to high heat and smoke conditions. Once conditions improved crews were able to re-enter the house and fight the fire offensively once again, declaring it under control at 6:49 p.m.

A search of the house was completed and no occupants were located. There were no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.