A devastating early morning fire has left Winnipeg's historic Manwin Hotel on Main Street a smoldering ruin, with fire officials stating the structure is "basically lost." The blaze broke out in the hours before dawn on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, drawing a massive emergency response to the downtown core.
Flames Consume Historic Landmark
Crews from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service were dispatched to the scene at the Manwin Hotel after receiving multiple calls reporting heavy flames. Upon arrival, they encountered a rapidly spreading fire that had already taken a firm hold of the building. Images and video from the scene, captured by CTV News Winnipeg photographer Ken Gabel, showed the structure fully engulfed, with intense orange flames and thick, dark smoke pouring into the night sky.
Firefighters immediately began an aggressive defensive attack, focusing on containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to adjacent properties. The intensity of the fire and concerns about the structural integrity of the aging hotel made an interior attack too dangerous for crews.
A Building Beyond Saving
As daylight broke over Winnipeg, the full scale of the destruction became clear. The roof of the Manwin Hotel had partially collapsed, and the interior was completely gutted. A senior fire official on the scene somberly confirmed the obvious, telling reporters that "the building is basically lost." The primary goal shifted from saving the structure to fully extinguishing the deep-seated fire and ensuring public safety.
The fire caused significant disruption in the area. Sections of Main Street were closed to traffic for several hours, complicating the morning commute. Nearby residents and businesses were advised to keep windows closed due to the heavy smoke. There were no immediate reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters, which officials called a fortunate outcome given the ferocity of the blaze.
Investigation and Aftermath Begin
With the fire finally brought under control, the long process of investigation and assessment has begun. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be the subject of a detailed examination by fire investigators. The Manwin Hotel, a long-standing fixture on Main Street, represented a piece of Winnipeg's architectural and social history, making its loss particularly poignant for the community.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of fire safety in older buildings. The future of the site is now in question, with the property likely facing a complete demolition once the investigation is complete and the rubble is cleared. The event marks a significant and tragic change to the streetscape of one of Winnipeg's most famous avenues.
