A significant industrial emergency unfolded in Winnipeg on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as a hazardous ammonia leak triggered a large-scale response from the city's fire and paramedic service.
Major Emergency Response on Ellice Avenue
The incident occurred at the PepsiCo location on Ellice Avenue. Upon receiving the alarm, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) dispatched a substantial contingent of personnel and equipment to the scene. The presence of ammonia, a toxic and flammable chemical commonly used in industrial refrigeration, necessitated the involvement of the specialized Hazardous Materials (HazMat) team.
Specialized Team Secures the Scene
The primary objective for the first responders was to quickly assess the situation, secure the area to ensure public safety, and contain the leak. The HazMat team, trained for precisely this type of dangerous scenario, took the lead in managing the chemical release. Their efforts were focused on stopping the flow of ammonia and preventing any potential spread that could threaten workers or the surrounding community.
Authorities have confirmed that the team successfully contained the ammonia leak. While the scale of the initial response indicated the seriousness of the situation, the swift and professional actions of the WFPS and its HazMat unit prevented the incident from escalating into a more severe disaster.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Protocols
Following the containment, the focus shifted to investigation and remediation. Officials will work to determine the exact cause of the leak at the food and beverage production facility. Incidents like this underscore the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and maintenance schedules at industrial plants that handle dangerous materials.
The successful resolution of this event highlights the essential role of municipal hazardous materials teams in responding to technological and industrial dangers, safeguarding both people and property in urban environments like Winnipeg.
