Winnipeg, MB – At 9:16 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews responded to reports of fire at a one-storey house in the 1000 block of Downing Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they saw smoke coming from the structure. They entered the house and launched an interior fire attack using hose lines. The fire was declared under control at 9:34 p.m.
Residents of the home self-evacuated before crews arrived on scene. Three people were assessed by paramedics on scene, but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
No damage estimates are available. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to 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.