Everyone is safe following a major fire, which began Friday evening, extended into Saturday morning and destroyed the Queen Apartments at 1109 Main St. S in Dauphin.

Fire chief Cam Abrey said Dauphin Fire Department crews were just nicely finished dealing with two-vehicle accident in the southeast section of the city when the call came in regarding smoke in the apartment building.

In a news release, Abrey said firefighters worked throughout the night, eventually clearing the scene at approximately 8:30 a.m., Saturday.

“All of the occupants were able to escape the building safely, with one transported to hospital for precaution for smoke inhalation,” Abrey said.

“Firefighters were able to rescue two pets from the building to return to their owner.”

Cooler temperatures caused icing conditions and took its it toll on men and equipment, Abrey said, adding a mutual aid request was sent to Gilbert Plains Fire Department for additional manpower.

“To assist with swapping out firefighters for rehab - a chance to warm up and eat and hydrate - at around 10 p.m.,” he said.

“We are thankful for our mutual aid neighbours who stood with us throughout the night and helped with this stubborn fire.”

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.