WINNIPEG — Fire crews spent hours Sunday night fighting a blaze at the now-vacant Boujee Restaurant and Bar on Main Street, marking the second fire at the location in less than a year.
Firefighters battle heavy smoke, preserve scene overnight
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) said crews were called to 191 Main St. at about 5:38 p.m. Sunday after reports of heavy smoke coming from the building. Firefighters worked until they declared the fire under control at 9:40 p.m., and remained on scene through the night to extinguish hotspots.
WFPS reported no people were found inside the structure when crews searched the building. The service said the property suffered "significant fire, smoke and water damage." A damage estimate was not yet available.
Investigation under way amid history of suspicious fires downtown
Both WFPS and Winnipeg police said the cause is under investigation. The site will be examined to determine how the blaze started and whether there are links to previous incidents.
The Boujee location was also the scene of a fire on Oct. 23, 2025. That blaze came amid a wider string of suspicious fires and damage across downtown Winnipeg and the Exchange District last year, drawing heightened concern from business owners and residents.
About a month after the October incident, police laid charges against a man accused of a series of offences connected to arson, break-ins and property damage at multiple sites between June 11 and Nov. 18, 2025. Police said those alleged incidents touched several downtown businesses, including constituency offices and eateries.
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Call to Boujee Restaurant and Bar | Approximately 5:38 p.m., Sunday |
| Fire listed as under control | 9:40 p.m., Sunday |
| Previous fire at same address | Oct. 23, 2025 |
Downtown businesses remain on alert
Business owners and residents in the Exchange District have been watching for signs of repeat offences since the wave of fires and break-ins last year. While authorities made arrests related to several downtown incidents in late 2025, the recurrence of a fire at the same vacant business will likely renew calls for extra patrols, improved building security for empty properties, and faster investigative follow-up.
- No injuries were reported from Sunday’s fire.
- WFPS continued to work on extinguishing hotspots after the main blaze was controlled.
- Police and fire investigators are jointly probing the cause.
What residents should know
At this stage, officials have not confirmed a cause or whether the fire is linked to previous cases. Residents and business owners in the area can expect:
- increased visits from investigators as they examine the building and surrounding area,
- possible temporary street or sidewalk closures while evidence is collected, and
- public updates from WFPS or Winnipeg police if new information becomes available.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who saw suspicious activity near 191 Main St. on Sunday evening, is asked to contact Winnipeg police. Information from bystanders and nearby businesses can be important to investigators in identifying the cause and any potential suspects.
The recurrence of a fire at the same address underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting vacant properties in busy urban districts. As inquiries continue, downtown residents and operators will be watching for both the outcome of the investigation and any policy responses from city officials aimed at reducing the risk to neighbouring properties and pedestrians.
Further details, including a financial estimate of damage and any statements from building owners or insurers, were not available at the time this report was filed.
