Winnipeg, MB – At 12:03 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half-storey, single-family home in the 300 block of Victor Street.
When crews arrived on scene they encountered smoke and flames coming from the house and launched an offensive attack. Crews were rotated in and out of operations due to the cold weather conditions. The fire was declared under control at 1:41 a.m.
All human occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services was called to assist the residents in finding temporary accommodations. WFPS Crews located two dogs and one cat in the house. All three pets were declared deceased.
While no damage estimates are currently available, the house suffered significant smoke, fire and water damage.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking. Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to reduce the risk of kitchen fires:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains should be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the top with a metal lid.
- Never use water to put out an oil fire.