Winnipeg, MB – At 1:18 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey multi-family residential building in the 400 block of Cathedral Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They launched an interior attack, fighting the fire from inside the building. The fire was declared under control at 1:52 p.m.
Firefighters searched the building and evacuated four residents. One individual was assessed by paramedics on scene. No other injuries were reported.
Damage estimates are not available at this time. Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by careless 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.