Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires last night.
Kingsbridge Court fire
At 8:34 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, WFPS crews responded to a fire in a single-family bungalow on Kingsbridge Court.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found the house and attached garage engulfed in flames. Crews launched a defensive fire attack from the exterior, while also protecting neighbouring homes from fire spread. Once the flames were knocked down, they were able to make entry to the house to finish fighting the fire. The fire was declared under control at 9:19 p.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Firefighters evacuated residents from neighbouring homes. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, involving a plugged-in block heater. Residents are reminded to follow these tips to prevent these types of fires:
- Do not plug in your vehicle inside an attached or detached garage, as a fire can start in the garage and quickly spread to other structures or your home, causing damage and putting people in danger.
- Check your block heater and extension cords for frays, cracks or damage before you plug in your vehicle. If the extension cord or block heater cord is damaged, replace it as soon as possible.
- Replace your extension cord if you’ve accidently driven away with it still plugged in to the outlet and have a licensed mechanic check your block heater cord.
- Do not overload extension cords or use them as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Do not run an electrical/extension cord through walls, doorways, ceilings, floors or under rugs or mats. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not allow extension cords to run through water or snow on the ground.
Flora Avenue fire
At 9:57 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half-storey house in the 600 block of Flora Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke and flames coming from the structure. They initially fought the fire from the exterior of the house. Once conditions improved, they were able to transition to an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 11:38 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the building and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
The house suffered previous damage in a June 2023 fire.