Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires this morning, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Redwood Avenue fire
At 4:34 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, multi-family residence in the 400 block of Redwood Avenue.
When they arrived on scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They entered and fought the fire from inside, declaring it under control at 4:59 a.m.
All occupants of the building safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported.
The fire remains under investigation. Damage was contained to one suite. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Robinson Street fire
At 7:18 a.m., WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in the KeKiNan Centre, a single-storey assisted living centre at 100 Robinson Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy black smoke coming from the building. They immediately launched an offensive fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 7:47 a.m. Fire damage was contained to a single suite.
Crews assisted residents in evacuating their suites. On-scene paramedics assessed two individuals. One was transported to hospital in unstable condition. The second individual did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
The preliminary investigation suggests the fire was accidental, caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials. Residents are reminded to follow these safety tips:
- Smoking material should always be extinguished in a proper ashtray or deep metal container.
- Butts should never be thrown from balconies, decks, car windows, or disposed of near any vegetation such as grass, leaves or brush.
- Never use a plant pot as an ashtray. Potting soil is a mix of dirt and a number of combustible organic materials such as peat moss, shredded wood and minerals which are combustible. When a butt is put into a planter, it can smolder for several hours. Once the container heats up, it can crack, giving the smoldering material oxygen and the opportunity to spread to other combustibles such as decks, balconies, walls, etc.