Firefighters forced back during battle against massive Winnipeg warehouse blaze
Eight nearby residences were evacuated and Manitoba Hydro cut power to the surrounding area
WINNIPEG—A warehouse in central Winnipeg that covers a full city block has been destroyed by an overnight fire.
Emergency officials say the flames had spread through a large part of the building by the time crews got to the scene shortly before 1 a.m.
A firefighter suffered a minor injury and remained on the job, but all personnel had to be pulled back after about 40 minutes when conditions rapidly deteriorated.
Eight nearby residences were evacuated and Manitoba Hydro cut power to the surrounding area to ensure lines, poles and transformers didn’t add to the emergency.
Air quality was monitored and people down wind of the blaze were asked to keep their windows closed to prevent smoke from getting into their homes.
Most of the warehouse has collapsed but authorities expect crews will still be on the scene Tuesday watching for hot spots.
