Winnipeg church destroyed by early morning fire in Elmwood

Firefighters called at 4 a.m., found heavy smoke and flames upon arrival

Image | church after fire watt street winnipeg

Caption: A wide shot of the church shows the extent of the damage. (Jaison Empson/CBC)

A church in Elmwood has collapsed after an early morning fire Wednesday.
Winnipeg firefighters were called just before 4 a.m. about a blaze on Tweed Avenue at Watt Street.
Heavy smoke and flames were shooting out of the building by the time crews arrived, says a news release from the City of Winnipeg.
Crews were unable to enter the building due to the extent of the fire and fought the flames from outside, using aerial ladders and hand lines.

Image | watt street church fire

Caption: A church on Tweed Avenue at Watt Street in Winnipeg was destroyed by an early morning fire Wednesday. (Jaison Empson/CBC)

The building is expected to be a complete loss.
The fire was declared under control just before 6 a.m.

Image | watt street church fire

Caption: A church on Watt Street in Winnipeg is expected to be a total loss after an early morning fire Wednesday. (Jaison Empson/CBC)

One firefighter was injured fighting the fire and was taken to hospital in stable condition.
A neighbouring home was evacuated as a precaution.
The city asks people to avoid the area. Riverton Avenue and Watt Street are closed to all northbound traffic, while Chalmers at Watt is closed to all southbound traffic.

Image | elmwood fire

Caption: Another view of the fire damage to a church in Winnipeg's Elmwood area. (Jaison Empson/CBC)