Winnipeg, MB – At 2:51 a.m. on November 13, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant two-storey house in the 800 block of Burnell Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered the attached garage, fully engulfed in flames, and heavy smoke coming from the house. An offensive attack was launched but due to uncertain fire conditions, crews transitioned to a defensive attack. Firefighters deployed a Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool - an aerosol device which helps to knock down fires, significantly reduce temperatures and prevent flashovers, allowing safer access. Crews were able to re-enter the structure and the fire was declared under control at 4:00 a.m.
A search of the house was conducted and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No damage estimates are currently available.
Drivers in the area should exercise caution as the water used to fight the fire covered the road and froze. The City of Winnipeg will be monitoring the area and applying sand and de-icing agents as required.
The WFPS is currently undertaking a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool (FST). When deployed, the FST can reduce temperatures and disrupt fire propagation in a confined space, resulting in safer conditions for occupants and firefighters, as well as reducing water use and overall damage.
The tool is activated manually by pulling a pin which activates an electronic ignition system. An aerosol mist is generated which expands to flood the space and suppress flames within seconds.