By Trevor Greyeyes
Twenty-one apartment units were destroyed Saturday after a fire engulfed the Peguis singles complex, forcing residents from their homes as flames consumed the building. Although the building is commonly referred to as the singles complex, there were reports that some families were also living there. Witnesses described tense moments as they waited for emergency crews to arrive. Tenant, Jace Garson, said he heard frantic knocking at his door at about 7 am. It was his cousin. "She said, 'Jace, there's a fire!' I grabbed a couple of my things. I told my girlfriend we need to get our shoes, but they just ran out the door. Everybody got out safely."
Other witnesses reported intense flames and thick black smoke visible from a considerable distance. Images and video from the scene show much of the structure fully involved by the time firefighters arrived.
Terra Indigena contacted the RCMP and Manitoba's Office of the Fire Commissioner seeking information about the investigation.
According to the RCMP, Fisher Branch RCMP received a report at 7:24 a.m. on July 11 from the Peguis Emergency Centre that the 20-unit residential building was on fire. Officers responded immediately and breached all main-floor doors to ensure residents were evacuated. Peguis First Nation Chief and Council later confirmed that all occupants were safely evacuated and accounted for, with no fatalities reported. Emergency assistance is being coordinated through the Peguis Multiplex, where displaced residents are receiving support. The cause of the fire has not been publicly released. RCMP said the fire appears to be accidental, although the investigation remains ongoing. A provincial spokesperson confirmed that the Office of the Fire Commissioner has been engaged to investigate the fire. Fisher Branch RCMP will assist with the investigation. Officials said damage estimates are not yet available and declined further comment.