North End buildings are complete loss after blaze, Winnipeg firefighters say

Winnipeg fire crews were still at the scene at a North End fire Wednesday, more than 12 hours after it was initially called in.

Firefighters were called to a single-storey building on Jarvis Avenue around 8 p.m. Tuesday, where they found heavy smoke and flames that had also spread to a connected building.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) said both impacted buildings are considered a complete loss, as their structural integrity was compromised during the blaze, and emergency demolition plans are underway.

The cold weather has been a challenge for firefighters, the WFPS said, with the area around the scene covered in ice and slippery. Crews are also being rotated in and out to stay warm.

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Meanwhile, stretches of both Jarvis Avenue and Derby Street remained closed Wednesday morning,

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The city said drivers and residents in the area will need to use caution even after the roads reopen, due to the now-frozen water that was used to fight the flames. Sand and de-icing agents will be applied to roads and sidewalks as needed.

In addition to the Jarvis blaze, firefighters were busy Tuesday night, also tackling a small fire at a six-storey Main Street hotel, and what they believe to be an accidental fire at a two-storey, multi-family residence on William Avenue.

The causes of the fires remain under investigation, and no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

Click to play video: 'Fires at commercial building, vacant houses mean busy morning for Winnipeg firefighters'

Fires at commercial building, vacant houses mean busy morning for Winnipeg firefighters

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