Greek Orthodox church at risk as Winnipeg firefighters battle blaze next door

Winnipeg police closed part of Main Street on Sunday morning because of a large fire whichconsumed a building, and is threatening a nearby church.

Several Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews were called tothe scene of the fire at Main Street near Euclid Avenue at about 7:45 a.m.

Staff Sgt. Julio Berzenjiof the Winnipeg Police Service's duty office said the building was abandoned.

Firefighters could be seen scaling ladders to fight the fire from above at about 9 a.m.

"What I'm being told is that it's quite something. The structure is engulfed, is how it's being described," Berzenji said.

Winnipeg fire platoon chief Don Enns believes the fire had beenburning for quite a while before crews arrived.

"We're not sure where the fire started, but it definitely encompassed the whole rear section of the structure, so we have quite a well-advanced fire," he said.

People were evacuated from neighbouring units, and one firefighter was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital in stable condition, Enns added.

WATCH | Platoon chief gives more details on fight against blaze:

Winnipeg fire platoon chief gives update on Main Street blaze threatening church

3 years ago

Duration 1:15

Winnipeg police closed part of Main Street on Sunday morning because of a large fire which consumed a building, and is threatening a nearby church.

Crews were expected to remain on scene well into the afternoon, according to a news release from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

The building is a complete loss with fire damage and a collapsed roof, and heavy equipment will be brought in to demolish it because ofthe risk of further collapse.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Police asked drivers to stay away from the area.Main Street between Stella and Jarvis avenues were closed for hours.

Nearby church at risk

While managing the fire in the abandoned building, Enns says firefighters were trying to mitigate damage to Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church at 197 Euclid Ave.

"This structure is quite old and obviously a valuable Winnipeg landmark to us, so we've been doing everything we can to protect the exposures, protect this church and not allow the fire to advance to the church," he said.

Sadly, the building has suffered other types of damage.

"We do know that the church has sustained minimal smoke damage, but unfortunately it's going to probably take a lot of water damage, especially to the basement, simply because we're using a lot of water to extinguish thefire," Enns said.

Damage estimates aren't available yet.