Winnipeg, MB – At 6:45 p.m. on October 28, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey house in the 600 block of College Avenue.
When crews arrived, they encountered smoke coming from the structure. With high heat conditions present, firefighters deployed a Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool - an aerosol device which helps to knock down fires, significantly reduce temperatures and prevent flashovers, allowing safer access. Following the use of the device, crews launched an offensive attack and declared the fire under control at 7:13 p.m.
All occupants of the house self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. They were assessed by on-scene paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported. Crews located and brought a snake in an aquarium to safety.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are currently available.
The WFPS is currently undertaking a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool (FST). When deployed, the FST can reduce temperatures and disrupt fire propagation in a confined space, resulting in safer conditions for occupants and firefighters, as well as reducing water use and overall damage.
The tool is activated manually by pulling a pin which activates an electronic ignition system. An aerosol mist is generated which expands to flood the space and suppress flames within seconds.