Winnipeg, MB – At 1:50 a.m. on April 10, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to a 911 call reporting the smell of smoke and fire alarm activation in a townhome condominium complex in the 700 block of Dovercourt Drive. Once on scene, crews encountered smoke coming from one unit and launched an offensive attack.
Neighbours advised crews that one individual may still be in the impacted unit. Crews conducted a search and located the individual in the residence. Paramedics transported the individual to hospital in critical condition but they were later declared deceased. No other injuries were reported.
Crews declared the fire under control at 2:27 a.m. The unit suffered significant fire, smoke and water damage. The neighbouring unit was not damaged however occupants were relocated for the night as electricity to the structure was turned off. The complex was equipped with a working fire alarm system.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.
Arlington Street Fire
At 12:36 a.m. on April 10, 2019, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in the 1300 block of Arlington Street. Upon arrival on scene, they encountered a small fire in the kitchen. It was quickly extinguished.
All occupants of the home had self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was determined to be unattended cooking. Residents are reminded to always stay in the kitchen while cooking. Stove burners should always be turned off when leaving the kitchen, even for a short time. Anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — should always be kept away from the stovetop. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Water Rescue
At 5:11 p.m. on April 9, 2019, WFPS crews responded to a report of an individual being swept away in the Red River. Responding crews located the individual who was approximately 7.5 meters from shore. A rescue was launched and at 5:22 p.m. the individual was brought to safety.
Paramedics transported the individual to hospital in unstable condition. It is not known how long the patient was in the water, or how they came to be in the water.
Residents are reminded that ALL waterways and ponds in the city are not safe. Ice is thin and dangerous. Parents and teachers are asked to talk to their children about ice and water safety.