Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three recent structure fires.
Selkirk Avenue fire
At 6:17 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half-storey duplex in the 100 block of Selkirk Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. They fought the fire from inside, declaring the fire under control at 7:18 p.m.
All occupants of the building safely self-evacuated. Residents from neighbouring homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
A Winnipeg Transit bus was deployed to the scene to provide shelter for evacuees.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Tylehurst Street fire
At 10:21 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 500 block of Tylehurst Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the building. They fought the fire from inside, declaring the fire under control at 10:48 p.m. The fire was contained to the suite where it originated.
One occupant from the fire suite was assessed by paramedics and transported to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. Firefighters located a cat deceased in the suite.
Winnipeg Transit sent a bus to the scene to provide shelter for evacuated residents. Once the building was ventilated, residents were able to return to their suites.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Heather Road fire
At 11:12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey duplex in the 0 to 100 block of Heather Road.
When they arrived to the scene, crews entered the residence and found smoke inside. They launched an interior fire attack and declared the fire under control at 11:27 a.m.
Occupants of the structure self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. One individual was assessed by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other 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.