Winnipeg, MB – At 9:17 a.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a structure fire in a four-unit residential building in the 900 block of Dugas Street.
All occupants safely evacuated before crews arrived. At the scene, crews saw smoke and flames coming from the home. Paramedics assessed one person and no transportation to hospital was required.
Firefighters attacked the fire from inside, declaring it under control at 9:57 a.m.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team responded to the incident and helped residents find temporary housing.
Damage was contained to the suite where the fire started. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to cooking.
To avoid a fire, remember these tips:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. Turn off stove burners when leaving the kitchen, even for a short time.
- Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains.
- Heat oil 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.
- If a pot or pan is on fire, do not move it, as you can be burned or injured.
- Learn about cooking safety and how to prevent a fire in your kitchen.
- Have a home escape plan and practice it often.