Winnipeg firefighters rescue building residents trapped in fire

Six people were sent to hospital, including three in critical condition, after firefighters in Winnipeg rescued residents trapped in a burning apartment building early Christmas morning.

A city news release says members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to the six-storey building on Qu’Appelle Avenue shortly after 4 a.m. and saw heavy smoke and flames when they arrived.

They immediately called additional crews to the scene and learned there were occupants trapped inside, including some with disabilities who required assistance getting out.

The release says firefighters fought the blaze from inside the building while simultaneously searching suites and evacuating residents.

Winnipeg Transit deployed buses to the scene to provide shelter for evacuees, and an emergency social services team was deployed to assist 42 displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.