Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two recent structure fires.
Eugenie Street fire
At 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey, multi-family residence on Eugenie Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke and flames coming from the structure. They initially launched a defensive fire attack, but once conditions improved they transitioned to fighting the fire from inside the residence. The fire was declared under control at 12:55 a.m.
Occupants of the building were alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms. All of them safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team helped displaced residents find temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Main Street fire
At 7:11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a commercial structure in the 1000 block of Main Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found smoke in the building. They launched a fire attack from inside the building, quickly bringing the fire under control.
All occupants of the building safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical failure in the furnace.
Residents can prevent fires involving a heating source by following these safety tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters.
- Have a qualified professional install your furnace.
- Have your furnaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Turn portable space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before removing them.