Winnipeg, MB – At 1:18 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 0 to 100 block of Edmonton Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke in the building. They fought the fire from inside, declaring the fire under control at 1:52 p.m.
Firefighters evacuated occupants from the building. No injuries were reported.
A Winnipeg Transit bus was deployed to the scene to provide shelter for the evacuees. Occupants were able to return to their suites once smoke was ventilated from the building.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking.
Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to reduce the risk of kitchen fires:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains should be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the top with a metal lid.
- Never use water to put out an oil fire.
Damage was primarily contained to the suite where the fire originated. Damage estimates are not available at this time.