Winnipeg, MB – At 2:08 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, multi-family residence in the 700 block of River Road.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered smoke coming from the building and launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 2:23 p.m.
All occupants safely self-evacuated prior to crew arrival. Paramedics assessed three individuals on scene and no transport to hospital was required. Crews helped remove guinea pigs from a neighbouring suite and reunited them safely with their owners.
No damage estimates are available, but most of the damage was contained to the suite of origin. Initial observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related 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.
Flora Avenue fire
At 5:08 p.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant one-storey house in the 400 block of Flora Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered smoke coming from the house. Crews launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 5:51 p.m.
Crews searched the home and no occupants were located. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are available.