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.
TRAFFIC ALERT: NOTRE DAME AVE CLOSURE.
— Winnipeg TMC (@WinnipegTMC) October 19, 2021
Due to fire.
Weston to Flint.
Both directions.
Avoid the area please.#WpgTMC #Winnipeg #WPGTraffic pic.twitter.com/b2xbNbRNsR
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.
TTAFFIC ALERT: NOTRE DAME CLOSURE.
— Winnipeg TMC (@WinnipegTMC) October 19, 2021
Due to fire.
Significant delays for westbound traffic from McPhillips west.
Use alternate routes.#WpgTMC #Winnipeg #WPGTraffic pic.twitter.com/RXMfYpWfNl
There are no injuries being reported.
The fire is under investigation.