A Winnipeg hotel is expected to be a complete loss following a fire on Wednesday.
Winnipeg fire crews responded to the Sutherland Hotel on Main Street after it caught fire.
Platoon Chief Steve Kumka said when crews arrived on scene Wednesday afternoon, the entire third floor was engulfed in smoke and flames.
He said the fire spread to the back of the building, resulting in a second alarm being called.
The city said Main Street is closed between Higgins and Sutherland avenues and all northbound lanes are being rerouted.
“We’re surrounding the fire; we’re in a defensive strategy right now because it’s not safe to go in, and we’ll be here for a while. Main Street will be closed, maybe until tomorrow.”
Kumka said it is unknown if anyone was inside but noted the building was boarded up.
He said the building next door was evacuated and the people there are being sheltered in a transit bus.
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Kumka said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The city later said it’s expected the building will be a total loss.
Donna Koss lives behind the building and was first told by a friend that the hotel was on fire.
“I could look out the bedroom window…and I could see it. It’s been going on a couple of hours,” said Koss.
She said she has previously seen people going in and out of the building, despite it being boarded up.
“I’ve seen people in and out of there. They go through the back side. What are you going to do? They’re looking for a place to stay warm.”
