Multiple houses burn in Winnipeg's Glenelm area, cat found dead

Dozens of emergency units rushed to Winnipeg's Glenelmareaon Wednesday morning, where three homes and a garage were burning.

A large portion of the roof of a two-storey house was consumed as flames jumped to the neighbouring homes and heavy smoke filled the air in the northeast neighbourhood.

Crews were called toCobourg Avenue, between Beatrice Street and Henderson Highway,around 6:40 a.m., said a news release from theWinnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

The initial call was abouttwo houses on firebut when crews arrivedthey found the flames had extended to the third home and a garage.

Everyone inside the homes got out safely before firefighters arrived.

More crews were called in through the day to help, according to the city's incident response website, which lists a total of 33.

They entered the two-storey house where the fire is believed to have started but were forced out by the extreme conditions.They fought flames and smokefrom outside untilconditions improved and they could re-enter and attack from the inside.

While in the house, they found a cat that had died.

Firefighters also entered the other two homes and garage to extinguish those flames.However, they were forced to get out of one of the houses, a 1-storey, asconditions deteriorated.

An aerial ladder truck was used to pour water onto the house while protecting yet another neighbouring home.

"We're fighting a very stubborn fire today," said acting District Chief Darren Bayluk.

The 1-storey home has had several additionsmade to it,and the roof area, over the years, creating problems in trying to getaccess to some of the flames, he said.

Baylukexpects some crews will remain at the scene through much of the day. A fire watch will then be set up with someone on site to watch for hot spots flaring up again.

WATCH | Firefighters battle flames and smoke in Glenelm:

Flames burn through 3 homes, garage in Winnipeg

29 days ago

Duration 1:36

More than two dozen emergency units worked to fight back flames and smoke in a Winnipeg neighbourhood Wednesday morning, where a fire burned three houses and a garage and claimed the life of a cat.

"It hits close to home, [and] it's heartbreaking to see," said Amanda Chan, who lives across the alley from the burned homes.

She said the neighbourhood is a tight-knit one, where everyone knows each other's name. Chan expects neighbours will rally to help the impacted families however they can.

"Thankfully, everyone's OK," she said.

One person was assessed by paramedics but did not need to goto hospital. A firefighter also required medical attention at the scene. No other injuries were reported,the WFPSsaid in its release.

Two of the houses sustained significant damage while the third house and garage have moderate damage, the news release said.

Full damage estimates are not yet available.The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Crews battle stubborn, dangerous fire in Winnipeg residential neighbourhood

28 days ago

Duration 1:44

CBC's Emily Brass reports from Winnipeg's Glenelm area on Wednesday, where dozens of emergency units rushed to a blaze that tore through three homes and a garage.