Winnipeg, MB – Since last night, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has responded to four fires.
Powers Street
At 7:21 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey home in the 200 block of Powers Street.
Crews attacked the fire from the outside using an aerial ladder, as it was unsafe to enter the house. Firefighters evacuated two neighbouring homes as a precaution. The fire was declared under control at 9:15 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no damage estimates are available.
Morrow Avenue
At 8:12 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 0-100 block of Morrow Avenue.
At the scene, crews extinguished the fire. Winnipeg Transit buses responded to provide shelter for residents who were temporarily displaced.
Paramedics assessed one patient on scene and no transportation to hospital was required.
No damage estimates are available. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire is accidental, related to cooking.
To avoid a fire, remember these tips:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. Turn off stove burners when you leave 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.
- Learn about cooking safety and how to prevent a fire in your kitchen.
- Have an escape plan for your home and practice it often.
Pritchard Avenue
At 8:13 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a residential property in the 600 block of Pritchard Avenue.
Crews attacked the fire from the inside, declaring the fire under control at 8:25 p.m. Everyone safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Spence Street
At 6:38 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant home in the 500 block of Spence Street.
At the scene, crews saw smoke coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from the inside, but were forced to exit the building due to deteriorating conditions.
Firefighters applied water using an aerial ladder. WFPS ordered an emergency demolition of this building due to its structural instability and to ensure firefighters can access the remaining small areas of fire within the structure.
Firefighters worked to protect neighbouring homes from fire and heat damage.
One firefighter sustained a minor injury on scene. Paramedics assessed the firefighter and no transportation to hospital was required.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.