Winnipeg, MB – At 1:13 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half-storey duplex in the 600-block of Alexander Avenue. When crews arrived on scene, they encountered smoke coming from the structure. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 1:45 p.m. Crews then worked to ventilate smoke from the structure.
All occupants of the duplex safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is considered accidental due to unattended cooking. Residents are reminded of the following safety strategies:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. Stove burners should always be turned off when leaving the kitchen, even for a short time.
- Anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — should always be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should always be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the pot with a metal lid. Never use water to put out an oil fire.
No damage estimates are available at this time.