Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires on the morning of Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
Burrows Avenue Fire
At 7:55 a.m. the WFPS responded to reports of a house fire in the 300 block of Burrows Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered heavy flames and smoke coming from the home. Crews launched a defensive attack, attacking the fire from the outside until it was safe to launch an interior offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 9:30 a.m. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and there were no hot spots
All occupants safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Cambridge Street Fire
At 10:01 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a high-rise apartment block in the 800 block of Cambridge Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they found smoke in the structure and a fire on a balcony. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for high life hazards when dealing with an occupied apartment block. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control very quickly, and was contained to the single balcony.
Residents of the structure were not required to evacuate. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, due to the improper disposal of a cigarette butt.
Residents are reminded they should never use a plant pot as an ashtray. Potting soil is a mix of dirt and a number of combustible organic materials such as peat moss, shredded wood, and minerals which are combustible. When a butt is put into a planter, it can smolder for several hours. Once the container heats up, it can crack, giving the smoldering material oxygen and the opportunity to spread to other combustibles such as decks, balconies, walls, etc. Smoking material should always be extinguished in an ashtray or deep metal container. Butts should also never be thrown from balconies, car windows, or disposed of near any vegetation such as grass or brush.