Winnipeg, MB – On the morning on Friday, April 7, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires.
Des Hivernants Boulevard North
At 8:06 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in an apartment building in the 0-100 block of Des Hivernants Boulevard North.
At the scene, crews saw smoke in the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from inside the building, declaring the fire under control at 8:24 a.m.
No injuries were reported. Crews found a cat and two dogs on the scene. One dog was injured and crews ensured it was treated.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Ross Avenue
At 8:33 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant house in the 400 block of Ross Avenue.
At the scene, crews saw smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire from outside the house because it was unsafe to enter the structure. Firefighters used aerial ladders to apply water to the fire.
Due to the structural instability of the house, firefighters ordered an emergency demolition of this building to ensure they can safely extinguish the fire and maintain scene safety.
WFPS responded to a structure fire at this location on March 26, 2023.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hart Avenue
At 10:28 a.m., WFPS responded to a fire in a two-storey home in the 0-100 block of Hart Avenue.
At the scene, crews saw smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire from inside the home, declaring the fire under control at 11:07 a.m.
No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental and started in the chimney. No damage estimates are available.
To stay safe when using a fireplace, remember these tips:
- Clean your chimney regularly. Both indoor and outdoor fireplaces need to be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional once each year. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up in a wood-burning chimney over time. When heat and sparks from a fire in the fireplace connect with creosote, it can cause a fire. Sometimes these fires are hard to detect until they are large and hard to control.
- Ensure all fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents, and chimneys are clear of snow, insulation, leaves, bird nests, lint, and any other debris. Ensure the top of the chimney is not obstructed by anything.
- Use only seasoned firewood. It burns hotter and creates less creosote, reducing the risk of a fire over time.
- Always keep the damper fully open when lighting a fire, using the fireplace, and until the fire is completely out. Fires emit carbon monoxide and keeping the damper open ensures the carbon monoxide does not vent into your home or living space.
- Place furniture and anything that can catch fire at least one meter away from the fireplace.
- Never leave a fireplace burning unattended.
- Do not operate gasoline-powered engines, generators, charcoal or propane barbecues/grills or kerosene stoves in closed spaces or indoors.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your house and test them monthly. They should be installed where you can hear them if they sound while you sleep.
- Check to see if your fireplace requires a permit from the City of Winnipeg.