Manitoba

1 dead after explosion and fire at homeless encampment in Winnipeg

A person is dead after a fire caused an explosion at a homeless camp in Winnipeg on Tuesday morning.

Explosions were from aerosol cans igniting, fire department says

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called Tuesday morning to a fire in a homeless camp in Winnipeg. (Gary Solilak/CBC)

A person is dead after a fire caused an explosion at a homeless camp in Winnipeg on Tuesday morning.

Emergency crews were called around 11 a.m. to the encampment along the riverbank near Higgins Avenue and Annabella Street.

They found a shelter engulfed in smoke and flames and after putting out the blaze, they found a body, says a news release from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

"Our thoughts are with those who will be directly impacted through this loss, and we will continue to rally around with and for community," said a spokesperson from Main Street Project, an organization that serves people experiencing homelessness and addictions in Winnipeg.

There were no other injuries reported.

It's believed the explosions were from aerosol cans igniting, the release says.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Main Street Project's van patrol outreach team will work alongside the WFPS, said the spokesperson.

WATCH | Person killed after explosion at homeless camp:

Person killed after explosion at homeless camp

4 years ago
Duration 1:39
A person is dead after a fire caused an explosion at a homeless camp in Winnipeg on Tuesday morning. Emergency crews were called around 11 a.m. to the encampment along the riverbank near Higgins Avenue and Annabella Street.

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