Landlord, caretaker says Winnipeg fire that sent three to hospital suspect
Posted May 29, 2024 5:57 pm.
Last Updated May 30, 2024 10:22 am.
Three people were taken to hospital in unstable condition and damage in this apartment in the 400 block of Redwood Avenue is extensive following a fire on Tuesday evening.
Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service say reports of the fire at the three-story apartment building came in at around just after 11 p.m. When crews arrived, they saw smoke coming from the building and quickly started battling the blaze both with water and foam, it was under control 45 minutes later.
Damage to a suite in the building is extensive and while one cat was rescued, two died as a result of the fire. Three people were taken to hospital, and Jerry Bruce, the building’s caretaker, says they were trying to help him alert people to the blaze.
“I heard a window smash and I knew there was somebody in there,” explained Bruce. “They got caught in the smoke and they couldn’t take it.”
Bruce says the smoke and fumes from the fire were intense, and he’s glad no one was found in the burned-out suite. Both him and the building’s owner saying they suspect the fire was set due to a recently issued eviction notice.
He claims those who were occupying the suite, “had taken it over” from its actual tenant and they were trying to get them removed.
“I was just happy nobody was in there,” said Bruce.
CityNews requested an update from Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service on the condition of those taken to the hospital, but has not heard back at this time.
“It was crazy. The fumes and everything was just coming out,” said a man, who told CityNews he goes by Brad Made-For-Action. Adding he went into the building to alert people inside to the fire.
“There was smoke. There were flames. It was nuts.”
He says despite the chaotic scene, he had one thing on his mind.
“I just wanted to get people out, that’s all I wanted to do. I wasn’t thinking of anything else, I just wanted to help somebody.”
WFPS indicates the city’s emergency social services have now been called in to help those displaced as a result of the fire, the cause of which, remains under investigation.
