Vacant Winnipeg church goes up in flames

Freezing temperatures created challenging conditions as crews battled a blaze at a vacant church on Monday.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) was called to the fire at the Euclid Avenue church around 6:15 p.m.

When firefighters got to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building and launched an exterior attack as it was not safe to go inside. Crews remained on scene throughout the night.

According to the City of Winnipeg, the cold weather created challenging conditions as the scene became ice-covered and slippery. Crews were rotated in and out of operation to provide breaks from the cold.

Road closures will be in place until work in the area is finished.

Crews battle a fire at a vacant Winnipeg church on Jan. 6, 2025.

The city warns that residents should use caution in the area as conditions are slippery. City crews will be monitoring conditions and applying de-icing agents to improve traction.

The fire is under investigation.

Monday’s fire left the church with significant smoke, water and fire damage. The building was previously damaged by a fire in June 2024 and had water and heat damage from fires at a neighbouring building in 2021 and 2023.

The city notes that crews also responded to a fire at a home in the 200 block of Selkirk Avenue around 5:50 p.m. on Monday.

Firefighters launched an offensive attack and had the blaze under control by 6:10 p.m.

No one was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no one was hurt.

Damage estimates are not available currently and the fire is being investigated.

At this time, the city said it’s not known if these two fires are connected.