Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three afternoon fires today.
Sherbrook Street Fire
At 1:28 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in the 400 block of Sherbrook Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a fire involving mattresses and garbage. The fire was quickly brought under control. No injuries were reported.
Maryland Street Fire
At 1:43 p.m. crews were called to a fire in the 300 block of Maryland Street. Upon arrival on scene, they found a garage fully engulfed, with flames extending to the adjacent home. An offensive attack was launched and the fire in both structures was declared under control at 2:43 p.m.
Winnipeg Police Service arrived first at the scene and were able to evacuate occupants from the home before WFPS crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
Maryland Street between Portage Avenue and Ellice Avenue is expected to remain closed through the afternoon rush hour while crews complete their work on scene.
Home Street Fire
At 3:30 p.m., WFPS was called for reports of a third fire in the 800 block of Home Street. When they arrived at the scene, they found two vehicles engulfed, with flames extending to a garage.
An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared extinguished at 4:23 p.m. A search of the structures was completed and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported. One neighbouring house suffered heat damage to the exterior.
The cause of all three fires remains under investigation but they are considered suspicious at this time. It is not known at this time if the three are connected. Damage estimates are not currently available.
Arson Prevention
Each spring, the WFPS sees an increase in the number of fires, particularly those which are determined to be incendiary, or purposely set. Over the past week the WFPS responded to a number of outdoor fires, many involving garbage that were deemed suspicious.
In an effort to reduce these types of fires, the WFPS operates its Community Fire Prevention Partnership (CFPP) with Local Business Improvement Zones and Take Pride Winnipeg to help identify and report properties at risk of arson in the community.
In addition, WFPS crews conduct neighbourhood fire prevention inspections throughout the spring and summer months to help identify potential fire hazards. If a property is found to have a fire risk, firefighters provide the property owner with an information pamphlet and instructions on how to reduce the identified fire risks.
Property owners can help prevent the risk of arson:
- Only put your garbage and recycling carts and yard waste out on your collection day.
- Dispose of garbage, yard waste, lumber, and bulky waste (such as mattresses or couches) properly and promptly.
- Contact 311 to schedule a pickup of your bulky waste items or to report fire hazards.
- Keep all garbage, bulky waste, and firewood well away from your house or garage.
- Use motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your home or garage. Keep garage doors closed and locked.
Members of the public are also reminded to contact the Winnipeg Police Service’s non-emergency line if they notice someone entering a vacant structure.
For more fire prevention tips and resources, see: www.winnipeg.ca/fireprevention and winnipeg.ca/ourstories