Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a carbon monoxide incident on Portage Avenue and a fire on Burrows Avenue

Released: December 6, 2024 at 12 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a carbon monoxide incident on Portage Avenue and a fire on Burrows Avenue in the early morning on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Carbon Monoxide incident

At 3:59 a.m., WFPS responded to reports of carbon monoxide in a six-storey residential apartment building in the 1900 block of Portage Avenue.

At the scene, firefighters found readings of up to 40 parts per million of carbon monoxide in some areas. Manitoba Hydro also responded to the scene to assess the problem, take readings, and shut down ventilation systems as required.

Residents were temporarily evacuated while crew searched for the source of the carbon monoxide. Two Winnipeg Transit buses responded to the scene to provide temporary shelter for evacuated residents.

Paramedics responded to the scene but no treatment or transport was required. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the exposure may have been related to a heating unit on the roof.

Crews ventilated the building and residents were able to return to their suites.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Exposure to carbon monoxide gas can be deadly for people and pets. Carbon monoxide has no smell, taste, or colour and is released when a fossil fuel does not burn completely.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, difficulty hearing or seeing, shortness of breath, but no fever.

Every home should have a carbon monoxide alarm installed on every level and outside each sleeping area. If your alarm sounds, or if you think someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, leave the building and call 9-1-1.

For more information, visit winnipeg.ca/carbonmonoxide.

Burrows Avenue fire

At 6:06 a.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a residential building in the 400 block of Burrows Avenue.

At the scene, firefighters attacked the fire from the inside, declaring the fire under control at 6:31 a.m.

All occupants of the home safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.

The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team responded to the incident to provide temporary support to displaced residents.

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