Winnipeg, MB – At 4:57 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey home in the 1300 block of William Avenue West.
When crews arrived on scene they encountered smoke and flames coming from the home. Crews launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 5:46 p.m.
One person was transported to hospital in stable condition. No damage estimates are available.
Preliminary investigation suggests the cause of the fire was accidental, and it started in an outdoor fire pit. Residents are reminded of the following safety tips:
- Ensure your fire pit is 10 feet away from any buildings, structures, fences, trees, overhanging wires, or anything else that can catch on fire.
- Your fire pit must have a metal grate or mesh (or spark arrestor) on top of the pit with openings less than 12 mm (1/2 inch) wide.
- Only burn clean, dry, unpainted and untreated wood. Never burn grass, leaves, brush, or tree trimmings.
- Have a supply of water or sand on hand to quickly extinguish the fire if needed.
- An adult must supervise outdoor fires at all times.
- If wind speeds exceed 25 km/h, outdoor fires are not permitted.
- Always use an approved receptacle for open air fires or fire pits, and obtain a permit from the City of Winnipeg for any fire pit in your yard.