Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires last night.
David Street fire
At 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, the WFPS responded to the third fire of the day believed to involve a block heater.
WFPS crews were dispatched for reports of a vehicle fire threatening a single-family, bi-level house in the 600 block of David Street. When crews arrived at the scene, they found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, with the fire extending to the house and attached garage. Crews launched a fire attack and the fire was declared under control at 10:04 p.m.
No injuries were reported. Damage estimates are not available.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, involving a plugged-in block heater. Residents are reminded to follow these tips to prevent these types of fires:
- Check your block heater and extension cords for frays, cracks or damage before you plug in your vehicle outdoors. If the extension cord or block heater cord is damaged, replace it as soon as possible.
- Replace your extension cord if you’ve accidently driven away with it still plugged in to the outlet and have a licensed mechanic check your block heater cord.
- Do not plug in your vehicle inside an attached or detached garage, as a fire can start in the garage and quickly spread to other structures or your home, causing damage and putting people in danger.
- Do not overload extension cords or use them as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Do not run an electrical/extension cord through walls, doorways, ceilings, floors or under rugs or mats. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not allow extension cords to run through water or snow on the ground.
Burnell Street fire
At 9:23 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey residence in the 500 block of Burnell Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They entered and launched an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 9:37 p.m.
All occupants of the residence safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical malfunction. Damage estimates are not available.