Winnipeg, MB – At 11:12 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in two-storey, single family home in the 800 block of College Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke in the house. They launched a fire attack from inside the house, declaring the fire under control at 11:50 p.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, cause by an electrical failure in an appliance.
Residents can reduce the risk of an electrical fire by following these tips:
- Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
- Check electrical cords to make sure they are not damaged or running across doorways or under carpets.
- Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
- Use only one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, hair dryer, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
- Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
Damage estimates are not available at this time.