WINNIPEG – One person is dead following a fire that caused an explosion at a Winnipeg homeless camp by Higgins Ave near the Disraeli Freeway.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says they responded to a call at an encampment along the Red River near Higgins Ave and Annabella St Tuesday morning. Sources say it initially was feared that an explosion had caused multiple casualties.

Crews discovered one of the temporary structures there engulfed in flames and smoke, and found a body inside the structure after they managed to douse the flames.

Firefighters believe aerosol cans ignited and exploded inside the shelter during the fire. There were no other injuries reported, and the cause of the blaze is still being investigated.

A similar camp in the area had structures go up in flames almost a year ago. Multiple tents and a hydro pole caught fire last March, but there were no injuries in that case.