Winnipeg, MB – At 10:42 p.m. on December 27, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey house in the 1300 block of Dawson Road South. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the home and launched a defensive attack. Once flames were knocked down, crews transitioned to an interior offensive attack to complete the extinguishment of the fire. It was declared under control at 11:42 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damages estimates are currently available.
At 3 a.m. on December 28, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 0-100 block of Sand Lily Drive. Once on scene, crews found smoke coming from the home and launched an interior, offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 3:23 a.m.
All occupants of the home had self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental due to the careless disposal of smoking materials. Residents are reminded to take extra care when disposing of smoking materials and always follow these tips:
- Always use a deep, sturdy ashtray and place it away from anything that can burn
- Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out - dousing them in water or sand is the best way to do that
- Never discard butts in vegetation, mulch, potted plants, landscaping or peat moss, or other things that could easily ignite
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet