Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to four fires involving structures last night and this morning.
Notre Dame Avenue fire
At 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in three-storey mixed-use commercial and residential building in the 600 block of Notre Dame Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene, they found smoke and flames on a balcony. They launched a fire attack and kept the fire from spreading to the building. They declared the fire under control at 6:24.
No injuries were reported.
Damage estimates are not available. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental and likely caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials.
Preventing Smoking-Related Fires
Residents are reminded to follow these important safety tips to help prevent smoking-related fires:
- Always dispose of smoking materials in a proper ashtray or deep metal container. Place the container on a stable surface, well away from anything that can burn.
- Never smoke in bed or on surfaces that can easily ignite, such as upholstered furniture.
- Stay fully alert while smoking. Avoid smoking if you feel drowsy or have taken medication or substances that may impair your awareness.
- Ensure ashes and cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal. The safest approach is to soak them in water or sand.
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches and related materials out of reach of children, or store them securely.
- Never discard cigarette butts from balconies, decks or vehicle windows. Avoid disposing of them near grass, leaves, brush or other vegetation.
- Do not use plant pots as ashtrays. Potting soil often contains combustible materials such as peat moss and shredded wood. A cigarette butt can smoulder for hours, eventually generating enough heat to crack the container. This allows oxygen to enter and can cause a fire that may spread to nearby structures like decks, balconies or walls.
Taking these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fire and help keep your home and community safe.
Spence Street fire
At 11:19 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey converted residential dwelling (rooming house) in the 600 block of Spence Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the building. They initially entered, but poor conditions forced them to exit the structure and fight the fire from the exterior. Once conditions improved, they were able to enter the building again and transition to an interior fire attack. They declared the fire under control at 12:20 a.m.
All occupants of the building self-evacuated. There were no injuries reported.
The fire remains under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.
Guy Savoie Drive fire
At 3:28 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, WFPS crews responded to a monitored fire alarm in a four-storey apartment building on Guy Savoie Drive.
When crews arrived at the scene, there was light smoke in the building. They determined that the building’s sprinkler system had activated and extinguished a fire. Crews ensured all hot spots were out. Damages were contained to the suite where the fire originated.
No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.
Waverley Street
At 5:26 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a four-storey apartment building the 2500 block of Waverley Street.
When crews arrived, they found smoke in the building and determined that the building’s sprinkler system had activated and extinguished a fire. Crews ensured all hot spots were out and ventilated the smoke from the building.
There were no injuries reported.
While fire damage was contained to the suite where the fire originated, other neighbouring suites sustained some water damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but preliminary observations suggest it was accidental.