Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires on the morning of Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Toronto Street fire
At 7:29 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, single-family bungalow in the 700 block of Toronto Street.
When crews first arrived to the scene, they found heavy black smoke coming from the house. They cooled the fire from the exterior, before entering to complete extinguishment of the fire. The fire was declared under control at 8:14 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure. No occupants were found. There were no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Talbot Avenue fire
At 9:53 a.m., WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Talbot Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found black smoke in the building. Crews located the fire in a suite and brought the fire under control by 10:04 a.m.
Occupants of the building safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported.
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.