Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires this afternoon.
Selkirk Avenue fire
At 12:29 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey commercial building in the 500 block of Selkirk Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters entered and launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 12:53 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the building an no occupants were found. There were no injuries reports.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available. The structure had sustained previous damage from several smaller fires in 2023.
Anyone who sees someone actively entering a vacant building, or removing boards from windows or doors from a building, should call 911 to report the incident immediately.
If you notice boarded windows or doors that have been breached, but you do not see someone actively entering or trying to enter the building, report the incident to 311 by phone or online.
Keewatin Street fire
At 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 0 to 100 block of Keewatin Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters launched an interior fire attack and the fire was declared under control at 2:59 p.m.
All occupants safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. One individual was assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team was activated to assist displaced residents.
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 estimates are not available.
Residents are asked to use caution in the area, as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions. City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction.