A lumber yard fire is causing the skies in downtown Winnipeg to fill with dark smoke on Sunday morning.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of the fire around 1:36 a.m. Sunday morning, according to a news release. A second alarm was called, which meant more crews responded to the scene on Logan Avenue.
Logan Avenue and Alexander Avenue between Arlington Street and McPhillips Street are closed, according to the release.
“Gigantic fire, unbelievable amount of smoke,” said Bryce Chan, who lives near the fire. “
Six homes on Alexander Avenue have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution and residents are taking temporary shelter on Winnipeg Transit buses.
Crews are expected to remain on scene to battle the Logan Avenue fire throughout the day, the statement said.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury but was evaluated at the scene and did not need to be taken to a hospital, the statement said.
“This is a lot of smoke, smoke damage throughout the area,” said Steven Bruce, a partner at a business in the area that works on automobiles. Bruce was concerned Sunday morning about how the smoke might affect the cars in the garage.
He #Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is responding to a large industrial fire in the 900 block of Logan Avenue. Logan Avenue and Alexander Avenue between McPhillips Street and Arlington Street are closed. The teams will be on stage until well into the day. Please avoid the area.
The City of Winnipeg also said in a tweet Sunday morning that people are being asked to avoid the area. They also encourage residents living near the fire to close windows and doors to protect the air quality in their homes.
