Winnipeg, MB – At 4:39 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow on Macoun Place.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the house. They fought the fire from inside the house, declaring the fire under control at 5:26 p.m.
Occupants of the house self-evacuated. Two cats were located in the house. Crews attempted to resuscitate the animals but were unsuccessful. Two firefighters sustained injuries at the scene. They were assessed by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital.
No damage estimates are available at this time.
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.