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 which consumed a building, and is threatening a nearby church.

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

Staff Sgt. Julio Berzenji of the Winnipeg Police Service's duty office said the building is abandoned.

"Thankfully, we have no report of any casualties, which is good news," he said.

It is, however, a large fire that's sending black smoke into the sky.

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 was burning 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.

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

Crews are 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 of the risk of further collapse. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Police are asking drivers to stay away from the area, and have closed Main Street between Stella and Jarvis avenues to give firefighters room.