Winnipeg, MB –The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two house fires this morning, Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Burrows Avenue fire
At 6:40 a.m., WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey house in the 300 block of Burrows Avenue.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. After knocking down some of the flames, they entered and fought the fire from inside the house. The fire was declared under control at 7:49 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the house and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The house had been damaged in a previous fire on May 13, 2023. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Deer Lodge Place fire
At 1:13 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, single-family home on Deer Lodge Place.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the structure. They fought the fire from inside the house, declaring the fire under control at 1:44 a.m.
The single occupant of the home safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. The individual was assessed at the scene by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction in the operation of a clothes dryer. The risk of these types of fires can be reduced by following these important tips:
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional to ensure it is in good working order.
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter and always clean the filter after each load of laundry.
- Periodically check the venting system to ensure there is no lint buildup and it is not damaged, crushed, or restricted.
- Make sure the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is running.
- Never leave a dryer running when leaving your home.