Winnipeg, MB – At 4:30 a.m., the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a detached garage in the first block of Hatcher Road. Once on scene crews encountered smoke and flames coming from the structure and launched an offensive attack. The fire was very quickly extinguished.
No injuries were reported. The fire is believed to be caused by an electrical failure as the block heater on the vehicle inside the garage was plugged in at the time. The garage fire on Weatherdon Avenue last night is believed to have the same cause.
These types of fires are preventable. Residents are reminded to follow these safety tips:
- Never plug in a vehicle’s block heater when it is parked inside a garage. A garage provides adequate shelter for a vehicle in cold weather.
- Regularly inspect your extension cord for nicks and frays. If it is damaged, discontinue use and replace the cord.
- If you’ve driven over or accidently backed out of your driveway with your cord still plugged in, consider it damaged and get a new one.
- Cover your block heater plug-in with its protective cover.
- Have your block heater cord inspected each year by a qualified mechanic. If the prongs are damaged discontinue use and have it replaced. Clean salt and road grit from the prongs and female end of the cord.