Fiery weekend in Winnipeg puts police on alert

A fiery weekend in Winnipeg is prompting police to pay more attention to those areas as they investigate whether the suspicious blazes could be linked.

'It was literally raining fire.' Neighbours say the blaze on Maryland and Westminster was like something out of a movie.

9 years ago

Duration 1:57

The fire engulfed a condo complex under construction in the Wolseley neighbourhood, around 3:45 a.m. Saturday.

Police spokesman Const. Rob Carver says there aren't additional officers on duty but the ones that are out will be watching those areas closely.

One of the fires engulfed a condo complex under construction at the corner of Maryland Street and Westminster Avenue, in the Wolseley neighbourhood, around 3:45 a.m. Saturday.

It spread to two nearby homes as well, leaving six people homeless — two sisters and a family of four.

Damage is estimated at $4.5 million. Four firefighters were also injured, with three suffering burns to their necks and faces.

The fourth firefighter has neck and back injuries, said Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg.

• Wolseley fire rips through multiple homes, leaving melted streetlights, rubble
• Police confirm Winnipeg's Chestnut Street fire was arson

Neighbours say they are rallying around the families who lost everything, gathering donations to help them get back on their feet.

"I think it's just important for us to know our neighbours maybe more and help each other 'cause something like this sure wakes you up," said Eva Weidman, who lives a few doors down from the fires.

"It's a great neighbourhood. That's just what you do right?

​Investigators will be returning to the site to determine the exact cause.

Police say two people were seen leaving the area just before the fire but wouldn't say if that tip came from witnesses or from video surveillance.

Two hours later, and just a few blocks away, another fire consumed a garage on Chestnut Street. That one has been determined to be arson and damage is estimated at $80,000, police said.

Then on Sunday afternoon in the city's St. James area, about a 15-minute drive from the Wolseley area, two fires were lit inside seniors complex under construction on Sinawik Bay.

Police said those ones were snuffed out early and didn't cause much damage. Two people were seen running from there and one was arrested.

A 16-year-old boy is charged with break and enter, arson, mischief and the possession of incendiary material.

• Police arrest suspect after fires set in St. James seniors complex

Police are asking anyone with information about the fires to call investigators at 204-986-6813 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).