Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a four structure fires early today.
Winnipeg Avenue fire
At 1:02 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half storey residence in the 800 block of Winnipeg Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. They initially entered the structure, launching an interior fire attack. Due to deteriorating conditions, they were forced to exit the structure and transition to a defensive attack. An aerial ladder and hand lines were used to apply water to the fire. The fire was declared under control at 5:04 a.m.
A neighbouring residence was temporarily evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
Due to structural concerns and to ensure all hot spots are extinguished, WFPS is arranging an emergency demolition.
The residence was previously damaged by fire in February 2025 and January 2024.
The fire is under investigation.
Erin Street fire
At 5:01 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a single-storey commercial structure in the 1300 block of Erin Street.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. They launched an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 5:46 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the building, and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The incident remains under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.
Inez Crossing fire
At 5:39 a.m. on July 18, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, single-family house on Inez Crossing.
Once on scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters entered and launched an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 6:08 a.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Damage estimates are not available.
Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to smoking. Residents are reminded to follow these safety tips:
Smoking material should always be extinguished in a proper ashtray or deep metal container. The container should be placed on a sturdy surface, away from anything that can burn.
- Do not smoke in bed or on surfaces that can catch fire (upholstered furniture).
- Always be fully alert when smoking. Don’t smoke while falling asleep, or after taking medications or substances that make you drowsy.
- Before throwing ashes and butts away, be sure to ensure they are fully extinguished. Dousing them in water or sand is the best way to ensure they are completely out.
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials out of the reach of children or in a locked cabinet.
- 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.
Aberdeen Avenue fire
At 7:10 a.m. on July 18, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half-storey residence in the 400 block of Aberdeen Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. They attacked the fire from the interior. The fire was declared under control at 7:41 a.m.
A search of the house was completed, and no occupants were found. There were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Damage estimates are not available. The house was previously damaged by fire in February 2025.