Winnipeg, MB – At 6:10 a.m. on February 12, 2025, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a monitored fire alarm at Marion School on Des Meurons Street.
When crews arrived at the school, they found smoke inside the building. They entered and launched an interior fire attack. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and then worked to ventilate smoke from the building. Damages were primarily contained to a single office.
There were no occupants in the school at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.
Classes at the school are cancelled today. Families should watch for emails from the school for further information.
Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by an overheated electrical outlet which had a portable space heater plugged in to it.
Residents are reminded to always take special care when using a space heater, following these safety tips:
- Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep the heater at least one metre (3 feet) away from anything that can burn.
- Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
- Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
- Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off that turns the heater off in the event it tips over.
- Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
- Keep children away from the space heater.
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
- Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.