Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to multiple fires throughout the city.
Portage Avenue fire
At 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 2200 block of Portage Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered smoke in the building. They determined there had been a fire in one of the suites that was mostly extinguished by the occupant. The crews worked to ensure all hotspots were extinguished and ventilated the smoke from the building. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was deemed accidental due 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.
No damage estimates are available at this time.
Redwood Avenue fire
At 1:10 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant two-and-a-half-storey house in the 500 block of Redwood Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene they encountered flames and heavy smoke coming from the house. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 1:56 a.m.
A search of the house was completed and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Beach Avenue fire
Crews also responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 700 block of Beach Avenue at 6:49 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021.
Upon arrival on scene crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the house. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 7:35 a.m.
The occupant of the home self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. They were assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in critical condition. One dog was located deceased in the house.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are currently available.