Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires this afternoon.
Home Street fire
At 5:37 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 100 block of Home Street.
When crews arrived at the location, they found a fire on the balcony of the structure. They quickly launched a fire attack, stopping it from spreading to the building.
No injuries were reported. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental and likely caused by smoking.
McKenzie Street fire
At 4:56 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, one-and-a-half storey house in the 100 block of McKenzie Street.
On arrival at the scene, firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the building. They entered and launched an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 5:28 p.m.
Crews searched the house and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.
College Avenue fire
At 2:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey residence in the 800 block of College Avenue.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke and flames coming from the structure. Firefighters launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 2:48 p.m.
All occupants self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. Firefighters rescued one dog from the building and reunited it with its owner.
The City’s Emergency Social Services team was activated to help displaced residents.
Damage estimates are not available. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental and likely caused by smoking.
Preventing Smoking-Related Fires
Residents are reminded to follow these important safety tips to help prevent smoking-related fires:
- Always dispose of smoking materials in a proper ashtray or deep metal container. Place the container on a stable surface, well away from anything that can burn.
- Never smoke in bed or on surfaces that can easily ignite, such as upholstered furniture.
- Stay fully alert while smoking. Avoid smoking if you feel drowsy or have taken medication or substances that may impair your awareness.
- Ensure ashes and cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal. The safest approach is to soak them in water or sand.
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches and related materials out of reach of children, or store them securely.
- Never discard cigarette butts from balconies, decks or vehicle windows. Avoid disposing of them near grass, leaves, brush or other vegetation.
- Do not use plant pots as ashtrays. Potting soil often contains combustible materials such as peat moss and shredded wood. A cigarette butt can smoulder for hours, eventually generating enough heat to crack the container. This allows oxygen to enter and can cause a fire that may spread to nearby structures like decks, balconies or walls.
Taking these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fire and help keep your home and community safe.