Winnipeg, MB – At 4:00 a.m. on April 13, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey, single-family home in the 400 block of Furby Street. Once on scene, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. An offensive attack was initially launched; however, due to deteriorating conditions crews were forced to move to a defensive strategy while also working to protect neighbouring homes. Later, once conditions had improved, they were able to move back inside to finish extinguishing the fire. The fire was declared under control at 5:38 a.m. The structure suffered fire, smoke and water damage.
There were five occupants in the home at the time of the fire. They all self-evacuated as a result of hearing the smoke alarm. Once on scene, crews also evacuated one neighbouring home as a precaution. A Winnipeg Transit bus was on scene to provide temporary shelter to all evacuees. The City’s Emergency Social Services team was deployed to the scene to assist the family of five with finding alternate living arrangements.
Firefighters rescued one cat from the residence and reunited it with the family. Winnipeg Animal Services attended to provide care to the animal.
One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was assessed by paramedics on scene. Transport to hospital was not required. No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.