Smokey conditions are keeping crews at the scene of a large fire Tuesday afternoon.

A fire at the former Nygaard Fashion building, which housed Peter Nygaard's former apartment was currently vacant Tuesday morning when smoke began billowing out of it.

The City of Winnipeg says the large, single-storey commercial structure in the 1300 block of Notre Dame Avenue's arm went off at 5:53 a.m. When crews arrived, the nature of the large fire required more help, causing a second alarm to be called, bringing in more fire crews.

Watching the smoke and flames, crews decided the fire was too dangerous to go in. The extensive battle began by using two aerial ladders and handlines to extinguish the fire. The Incident Commander used a drone to understand the situation, directing crews above were to spray the flames. The building has major structural damage, but it was sitting unused after the Nygaard company dissolved, and the former owner is facing numerous sex trafficking charges.

Emergency crews then closed Notre Dame in both directions between Erin Street to Flint Street, which remains closed because of smoke being pushed to the ground. 

"Motorists and residents who are sensitive to smoke are advised to avoid the area," the City of Winnipeg says in a media release.

There are no injuries being reported.

The fire is under investigation.