Winnipeg, MB – At 12:13 a.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in single-family bungalow in the 200 block of Roseberry Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke in the home. They attacked the fire from inside of the house, declaring the fire under control at 12:39 a.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated after hearing the smoke alarm sounding. No injuries were reported. Crews located two cats in the house and brought them to safety.
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.
Damage was mostly confined to the dryer.