Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire in an apartment and a chimney fire

Released: October 9, 2022 at 1:14 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – At 8:43 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a six-suite apartment building in the 400 block of Pacific Avenue.

When crews got to the scene, they saw heavy black smoke coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from inside. It was under control at 9:03 p.m.

Everyone who was inside got out safely and no one was injured.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.

Douglas Park Road

At 10:39 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a home in the 100 block of Douglas Park Road.

At the scene, firefighters saw heavy flames and smoke coming from an exterior fireplace. Crews extinguished the fire and checked to ensure no flames spread to the house. The fire was under control at 10:53 p.m.

No one was injured. Damage estimates are not available.

Fireplace safety

With colder weather approaching, the WFPS reminds residents to stay safe when using indoor or outdoor fireplaces:

  • Clean your chimney regularly. Both indoor and outdoor fireplaces need to be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional once each year. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up in a wood-burning chimney over time. When heat and sparks from a fire in the fireplace connect with creosote, it can cause a fire. Sometimes these fires are hard to detect until they are large and hard to control.
  • Ensure all fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents, and chimneys are clear of snow, insulation, leaves, bird nests, lint, and any other debris. Ensure the top of the chimney is not obstructed by anything.
  • Use only seasoned firewood. It burns hotter and creates less creosote, reducing the risk of a fire over time.
  • Always keep the damper fully open when lighting a fire, using the fireplace, and until the fire is completely out. Fires emit carbon monoxide and keeping the damper open ensures the carbon monoxide does not vent into your home or living space.
  • Place furniture and all flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.
  • Never leave a fireplace burning unattended.
  • Do not operate gasoline-powered engines, generators, charcoal or propane barbecues/grills or kerosene stoves in closed spaces or indoors.
  • Install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your house and test them monthly. They should be installed where you can hear them if they sound while you sleep.
  • Check to see if your fireplace requires a permit from the City of Winnipeg.

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