Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires this morning.
Ruby Street Fire
At 7:21 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant one-and-a-half-storey house in the 200 block of Ruby Street.
When crews arrived at the scene, they encountered smoke coming from the structure. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 8:06 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The fire remains under investigation and damage estimates are not available at this time.
Inglewood Fire
At 12:07 a.m. on July 8, 2022, the WFPS responded to a garage fire in the 300 block of Inglewood Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke and flames coming from the garage. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was quickly brought under control.
There were no occupants in the garage at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused when a spark escaped from a backyard fire pit. It came to rest on the garage and after smoldering for several hours, a fire ignited. The firepit was not bylaw compliant.
Residents are reminded to exercise caution when using a firepit. While permits are not required to operate fire pits in residential yards, the firepits must meet bylaw requirements to help ensure a safe burning experience for all parties involved.
- Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and made of bricks, concrete, heavy gauge metal, or other non-combustible materials.
- They must be located at least three metres (10 feet) from other structures, and the opening must be covered by a spark arrestor, grille, or mesh.
- All fires must be kept under control, and you must have a means of fully extinguishing the fire readily available.
- Do not remove your spark arrestor or cover because it is there to prevent sparks or embers from landing on your home, deck, garage or other structure and starting a fire.
- Only clean, dry, untreated and unpainted wood can be burned within city limits. Burning yard or household waste is not permitted, as it can produce excessive smoke that can disturb neighbours.
- All outdoor fires are prohibited in Winnipeg when wind speeds exceed 25 km/h.