Winnipeg, MB – At 12:22 p.m. on October 27, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to an automatic alarm at a 17-storey high-rise at 555 St. Mary Avenue. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for high life hazards when dealing with a high-rise structure.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke on the ninth floor and investigated the cause. A small fire was found already put out and crews worked to extinguish hot spots.
No evacuations were required and no occupants will be displaced from their suites as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental due to unattended cooking. Residents are reminded of the following safety strategies:
- 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.
- Oil should always be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire, and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the pot with a metal lid. Never use water to put out an oil fire.