Winnipeg, MB – At 12:14 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire at a warehouse in the first block of Myrtle Street. When crews arrived on scene, they encountered heavy flames and smoke. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 1:03 a.m.
There were no occupants in the warehouse at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. No damage estimates are available at this time.
The fire is believed to have originated in a rubbish pile outside of the building. The fire then extended to the building, causing significant damage. At this time it’s not known how the exterior fire started.
Property owners can help prevent the risk of fire by following these strategies:
- Dispose of cigarette butts in a deep, wide metal container filled partway with sand or water
- Do not dispose of butts with regular trash or rubbish without first dousing the butt with water
- Only put your garbage and recycling carts and yard waste out on your collection day
- Dispose of garbage, yard waste, lumber, and bulky waste (such as mattresses or couches) properly and promptly
- Contact 311 to schedule a pickup of your bulky waste items or to report fire hazards
- Keep all garbage, bulky waste, and firewood well away from your house, garage, or business
- Use motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your property