Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to three structure fires throughout the day on Tuesday.
Selkirk Avenue fire
At 9:12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, WFPS crews responded to reports of fire at a two-storey residential dwelling in the 600 block of Selkirk Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene, smoke was coming from the structure. They entered the dwelling and launched a fire attack, quickly knocking down the fire. It was declared under control at 9:34 a.m.
Residents were able to safely self-evacuate before crews arrived on scene. No injuries were reported.
The City’s Emergency Social Services team was called to help displaced residents find temporary accommodations.
Most of the damage was contained to the room where the fire started. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Prince Rupert Avenue fire
At 11:12 a.m., WFPS responded to reports of fire at a single-storey home in the 800 block of Prince Rupert Avenue.
Upon arrival to the scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They entered the house to start fighting the fire. Crews extinguished the fire quickly, declaring it under control at 11:45 a.m.
Occupants of the house self-evacuated before crews arrived on scene. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary investigations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical malfunction.
Tache Avenue fire
At 4:23 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 700 block of Tache Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke in the building. They entered and located the fire in one of the suites. Using an offensive fire attack, they applied water to the fire. The fire was declared under control at 4:52 p.m.
One resident was assessed by on-scene paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported. Crews searched the suite and located a dog deceased.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking.
Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to reduce the risk of kitchen fires:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains should be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the top with a metal lid.
- Never use water to put out an oil fire.
Damage was mostly contained to the suite where the fire originated. Damage estimates are not available at this time.