Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires.
Bairdmore Boulevard fire
At 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, single-family house in the 200 block of Bairdmore Boulevard.
Upon arrival to the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. They launched an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 7:37 p.m.
All occupants in the house safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. No injuries were reported, and damage estimates are not available at this time.
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.
- Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
- 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.
Avalon Road fire
At 10:49 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, single-family house in the 100 block of Avalon Road.
When crews arrived, they found smoke in the house. They launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 11:09 p.m.
Occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews, and no injuries were reported.
No damage estimates are available at this time. Observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental, due to the improper storage of batteries.
Residents are reminded to safely store batteries to prevent the risk of fire.
Castlebury Meadows Drive fire
At 1:27 a.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, single-family house in the 100 block of Castlebury Meadows Drive.
On arrival at the scene, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house and attached garage. Once some of the flames were knocked down, crews were able to enter the structure to fight the fire. The fire was declared under control at 2:24 a.m.
All occupants in the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
The house suffered significant smoke, fire, and water damage. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
The fire remains under investigation.