Winnipeg, MB – At 7:53 p.m. on March 13, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half-storey home in the 200 block of Manitoba Avenue. Once on scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the structure and launched an interior offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 8:30 p.m. The home suffered considerable smoke, fire and water damage.
All occupants of the house self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews after being alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm. Paramedics assessed and transported eight individuals to hospital – three in unstable condition and five in stable condition.
Preliminary observations by WFPS Fire Investigators suggest the fire was accidental, caused by curtains coming into contact with a light bulb. All residents are reminded to always keep combustibles away from heat sources.
Winnipeggers are also reminded that smoke alarms save lives. Homeowners whose homes do not have a working smoke alarms can apply to the S.A.F.E. Family program to receive an alarm, free of charge, installed by members of the WFPS. For more information, or to apply to have a free alarm installed, contact 311 or visit Winnipeg.ca/safefamily.
Fire Prevention By-Law 35-2017 requires the installation of a by-law compliant smoke alarm in all residential rental properties. Smoke alarms will not be installed in residential rental properties as part of the S.A.F.E. Family program. If the WFPS is made aware of non-compliant rental units, a Fire Inspector will attend and enforce compliance.