Winnipeg, MB – At 5:51 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey home in the 800 block of McDermot Avenue.
At the scene, crews saw smoke and flames coming from the home. Firefighters attacked the fire from outside the home until it was safe to enter and apply water inside. The fire was under control at 6:05 p.m.
All occupants safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. The City’s Emergency Social Services team helped the residents find alternate accommodations until the home is safe to enter again.
No damage estimates are available. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to a propane barbecue.
Remember these safety tips to stay safe:
- Never use a barbecue indoors, in any enclosed space, or in a garage, even if you leave the door open. Using a barbecue in an enclosed space like a garage or covered deck can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.
- To avoid a fire, keep your barbecue away from structures deck railings, fences, trees, awnings or eaves troughs.
- Only use generators and outdoor heaters outside, in well-ventilated areas, away from your home’s air intake.
- Keep your barbecue’s lid open when you light it. Keeping the lid closed can cause gas to build up inside which can lead to a fire.
- Only use the spark igniter button or barbecue lighter to light the grill. Never hold a match or cigarette lighter over the grill when the propane is on.
- Never leave your grill unattended. Keep children and pets a safe distance away.
- Learn more about barbecue safety.