Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two fires last evening.
Whitegates Crescent fire
At 6:31 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 400 block of Whitegates Crescent.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found a well-involved fire with heavy smoke coming from the house. They launched an interior fire attack, but due to deteriorating conditions, they were forced to exit and fight the fire from the exterior of the house. Once conditions improved, they were able to re-enter the home to fully extinguish the fire. The fire was declared under control at 7:12 p.m.
All occupants of the house had safely self-evacuated with their pets. One individual was assessed by paramedics at the scene and then transported to hospital in stable condition. The City of Winnipeg’s Animal Services Agency attended the scene to provide care for the pets.
The house sustained significant smoke, fire, and water damage. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Kennedy Street fire
At 8:40 p.m. on December 21, 2023, WFPS crews responded to a monitored fire alarm in an eight-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Kennedy Street.
Upon arriving on scene, crews found smoke in the building. A fire was located in a laundry room and quickly extinguished.
Occupants of the building were able to shelter in place. No injuries were reported.
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.