Five people are in hospital following a fire early Sunday morning in the West Broadway area.

Shortly after 3 a.m. yesterday, emergency crews responded to a five-storey apartment complex at 85 Furby Street. 

When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. They also learned that multiple residents were stuck in their suites. 

Firefighters immediately launched an interior fire attack and worked to rescue those trapped in their suites using aerial ladder trucks. 

Five people were transported to hospital, two in critical condition and three in unstable condition. 

Due to significant smoke, fire and water damage, residents were not allowed to return to the building. 

The City of Winnipeg's Emergency Social Services team attended the scene to help assist displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations. Of the approximately 40 residents, around 30 indicated they needed assistance.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.