Winnipeg, MB – At 11:10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey multi-family residence in the 100 block of Maryland Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They entered and attacked the fire from inside, declaring it under control at 11:40 a.m. The fire was contained to the suite where it originated.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were found. They did locate a dog in the building and brought it to safety. One firefighter sustained injuries at the scene. They were assessed by on-scene paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Damage estimates are not available at this time. Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by a space heater being used in close proximity to combustibles.
Residents can prevent fires involving a heating source by following these safety tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters.
- Have a qualified professional install your furnace.
- Have your furnaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Turn portable space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before removing them.