Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to gas leak on Marygrove Crescent and fire on William Avenue

Released: June 12, 2023 at 7:51 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a gas leak and a structure fire on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Marygrove Crescent gas leak
At 2:42 p.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a natural gas leak at a single-family home on Marygrove Crescent.

When crews arrived to the scene, they learned that a gas line was ruptured by an individual while they were digging a post hole. Crews detected explosive levels of gas within the house where the ruptured line occurred. They quickly worked to evacuate nine neighbouring homes as a precaution.

Firefighters monitored gas levels in the neighbouring homes while waiting for the leak to be stopped. When a second home showed gas readings inside, crews searched the home and located two cats. The cats were reunited with their owners. 

Manitoba Hydro attended the scene and crimped the leaking gas line. Once safe to do so, WFPS crews ventilated the two houses until gas readings returned to normal.

Evacuated residents were able to return to their homes once the incident was mitigated.

Natural gas is a colourless, odourless, and highly flammable gas. Manitoba Hydro adds a chemical compound called mercaptan to natural gas to give it a strong, Sulphur-like or rotten egg smell. This allows natural gas leaks to be easily detected.

If you smell natural gas, evacuate people and pets out of the area immediately. If you are inside a building, leave the doors open when you leave. Do not smoke, light matches or lighters, operate electrical switches, appliances, phones, or vehicles, or create any other source of ignition or sparks. Once you are in a safe space, call 911 immediately.

William Avenue fire
At 7:59 p.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey, converted residential dwelling in the 400 block of William Avenue.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found flames and smoke coming from the structure. They entered the building and fought the fire offensively, declaring the fire under control at 8:14 p.m.

All occupants of the residence safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported. The City’s Emergency Social Services team responded to the incident to assist displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.

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