Winnipeg, MB – At 5:37 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey, single-family house in the 1100 block of Selkirk Avenue.
When crews arrived on-scene, they encountered smoke coming from the house. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 6:06 p.m.
The two occupants in the house at the time of the fire self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. They were both were assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in unstable condition. Crews completed a search of the house and located four dogs deceased. Two injured cats were also located and brought to safety. WFPS crews provided them with oxygen using specialized animal masks before Winnipeg Animal Services Agency transported them for emergency veterinary care.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire may have been accidental, caused by a short in an extension cord. Residents are reminded to follow these tips to prevent fires:
- Do not overload extension cords or use them as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Do not run an electrical/extension cord through walls, doorways, ceilings, floors or under rugs or mats. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not allow extension cords to run through water or snow on the ground.
- Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
- Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
- Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
- The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
- Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
- Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit.
- Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
- Do not plug in your vehicle inside an attached garage.
- Always examine your car’s block heater cord and extension cords for damage. Do not use the cord if it has frays or nicks.
- Replace your extension cord if you’ve accidently driven away with it still plugged in to the outlet and have a licensed mechanic check your block heater cord.