Winnipeg, MB – At 9:02 p.m. on January 5, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Beverley Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered heavy smoke coming from the building. Firefighters used a Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool, an aerosol device that reduces temperatures, which allows safer access for firefighters. Crews then launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 9:48 p.m.
All occupants in the apartment building safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. All residents were able to return to their suites after crews ventilated the building with the exception of those in the suite where the fire occurred.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are currently available.
Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool (FST)
The WFPS is undertaking a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool (FST). The FST can reduce temperatures and disrupt fire spread in a confined space, resulting in safer conditions for occupants and firefighters, and reducing water use and overall damage.
A user activates the tool manually by pulling a pin that activates an electronic ignition system. The FST generates an aerosol mist that expands to flood the space, suppressing flames within seconds.