Winnipeg apartment destroyed by fire being targeted by thieves

People who lost everything in a recent Winnipeg fire are being further victimized.

“Right now, there’s a sense of greed going on and scavengery,” said Chad Myrchak, looking at the damaged building in the 700 block of Toronto Street.

He says since the building caught fire and burned on Mach 9, people have been working to keep it secure but says the thieves entering the building are persistent.

“It’s an opportunity for people to make fast and it has been since day one,” he said.

The building’s a loss, the windows burnt out in the fire; its roof completely gone. As the interim caretaker, Myrchak has worked non-stop to help people return to a nearby apartment that was also evacuated.

Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service said in a statement if a building sustains significant damage and is unsafe to enter after a fire, the agency will order the property bordered up and secured; work is usually done by a contractor.

But after that, the statement said, “It’s up to the property owner to ensure it stays secure.”

Myrachak says he’s been trying to secure the now vacant walk-up –  but it’s been hard – with people accessing the building and property left behind, despite their efforts and constant monitoring.

“These guys will come there the minute you turn your back,” he said.

These victims are part of an upward trend, as in 2023 1,100 people were affected by fires and other emergencies.

Myrchak says thieves should think twice, as alongside putting themselves in danger, they’re targeting people who have had their lives upended, but says sadly, the bad behaviour is nothing new.

“It’s not about Winnipeg, we have been dealing with scavengers for the last 5,000 years and it’ll never stop.”