Winnipeg, MB – At 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2020, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a detached garage in the 200 block of Austin Street North.
When crews arrived, they encountered a well-involved fire with heavy flames and smoke coming from the building. Crews launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 12:34 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
At 12:32 a.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a house in the 700 block of Lipton Street. When crews arrived on scene they encountered smoke coming from the home. Crews launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 12:58 a.m.
All occupants self-evacuated prior to crew arrival. No injuries were reported. Crews rescued a hamster from the home.
Preliminary observations suggest a malfunction in the operation of the dryer as the cause of this fire. 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 beyond the interior of the dryer.
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 away from your home.