Winnipeg, MB – At 12:33 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a four-storey apartment building in the 1100 block of St. Anne’s Road.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke in the building. A fire was located in one of the suites. It had been kept under control by the building’s sprinkler system. Crews were quickly able to extinguish the remaining hot spots.
No injuries were reported. Most residents were able to return to the suites once crews finished their work. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team helped displaced residents from three of the suites in finding temporary accommodations.
Damage estimates are not available at this time. The fire is believed to be accidental, caused by the improper use of incense. Residents are reminded to always take special care when using incense or candles, always following these safety tips:
- Never leave lit candles or incense unattended.
- Use approved non-combustible candleholders or incense bases, and place them on a firm, non-slip surface.
- Avoid putting lit candles and incense in a drafty area to prevent uneven burning and wax dripping.
- Extinguish a candle when it burns down to within two inches of its holder or base.
- Keep candles and incense away from any flammable materials, decorations, curtains, or other combustible material like bedding or cushions.
- Keep candle wicks trimmed to half an inch and remove excess wax before storage. Long, crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and wax drippings
- Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.