Winnipeg, MB – At 8:25 p.m. on October 2, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey home in the 600 block of Jessie Avenue. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the home.
Crews launched an interior offensive attack and the fire was declared under control at 8:52 p.m. The home sustained damage to the basement.
Two occupants safely self-evacuated prior to crew arrival. No injuries were reported. No damage estimates are available at this time.
Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental, originating with the clothes dryer. This incident serves as a good reminder to residents to never run their dryer while away from their home. Damage from this fire was minimized because residents were home and able to call 911 before the fire extended throughout the house.
Residents can reduce the risk of these types of fires by following these important tips:
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional to ensure it is in good working order.
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter and always clean the filter after each load of laundry.
- Periodically check the venting system to ensure there is no lint buildup and it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.
- Make sure the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is running.
- Never leave a dryer running when leaving your home.