Winnipeg, MB – At 3:32 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey duplex in the 400 block of Aulneau Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke coming from the structure. They entered and fought the fire from the interior, declaring the fire under control at 3:58 p.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported. Firefighters located five cats in the duplex. Two survived and three were found deceased.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The fire is believed to be accidental, caused by a candle.
Residents are reminded to take special care when using candles, always following these safety tips:
- Never leave lit candles unattended
- Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets
- Never dispose of candles in the trash until the wax has hardened and the wick is no longer hot
- Use non-combustible candleholders and place them on a firm, non-slip surface
- Avoid burning candles in drafty areas to prevent uneven burning and wax dripping
- Extinguish a candle when it burns down to within two inches of its holder or base
- Keep candles away from any flammable materials, decorations, curtains, or other combustible material like bedding or cushions
- Keep candle wicks trimmed to half an inch and remove excess wax before storage. Long, crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and wax drippings