There are no injuries so far as crews battle a large blaze at a construction site, defending neighbouring apartments.

The construction site, set to be the future site of a new condo at the corner of Kimberly Avenue and London Street is up in flames. The L-shaped building was completely engulfed Monday afternoon.

"Once crews arrived on-scene, they encountered a well-involved fire coming from the construction site, with extension to two neighbouring three-storey apartment buildings in the immediate vicinity," a statement from the City of Winnipeg says. "Additional units were called to assist in fire operations."

The fire was first reported at 3:30 p.m., with callers saying the three-story construction site in the 700 block of Kimberly Avenue was up in flames. 

Witnesses say they could easily see the blaze from three bocks away.

firePeople line a residential street, looking at the massive blaze on Kimberly Avenue. (Supplied)

"All occupants from neighbouring buildings self-evacuated or have been evacuated by crews. Winnipeg Transit has been called to the area to provide shelter for residents."

The well-involved fire required a defensive start. Crews got to work protecting the two neighbouring apartment buildings until they could switch to offensive fire fighting. 

"Crews are expected to be on-scene for an extended period of time. Residents are advised to avoid the area."

Callers say there are traffic issues in the East Kildonan area as a result of the fire, including on Gateway Road, Raleigh Street, Kimberly Avenue and London Street. Kimberly Avenue is closed in both directions at the London Street intersection. 

The cause of the fire has not been shared, but more details will be coming.

 

With files from Taylor Brock and Sylvia St. Cyr.

This is a developing story and will be updated.