Winnipeg firefighters are battling a blaze in a vacant building in south Point Douglas that has shut down parts of Higgins Avenue.

Large plumes of grey smoke poured into the air from the building on Point Douglas Avenue, where fire crews have been since about 9 a.m. Monday.

Crews were expected to remain at the scene into the afternoon, a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service spokesperson said in an email at about noon. They were still there as of 3 p.m., and anticipated being there for an extended period of time, bringing the fire under control and then extinguishing hotspots.

Higgins Avenue between Sutherland Avenue and Annabella Street remains closed as a result. Southbound traffic from the Louise Bridge is being rerouted down Sutherland Avenue, and northbound Higgins traffic is being directed to Annabella Street.

No injuries have been reported.

This is the same location where a large fire destroyed a warehouse in September 2021.