Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to several fires this morning.
Sherbrook Street fires
At 5:48 a.m. on April 27, 2021, WFPS responded to a garage fire in the 400 block of Sherbrook Street. A number of garbage bin fires in the vicinity were also occurring.
Crews launched an offensive attack on the structure fire and it was declared under control at 6:18 a.m. The bin fires were also quickly extinguished.
No injuries were reported. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Young Street fires
At 6:54 a.m. on April 27, 2021, WFPS responded to several garbage bin fires in the 400 block of Young Street. At 7:10 a.m., crews were called to the 300 block of Young for a fire in a vacant house.
An offensive attack was launched on the house fire and it was declared under control at 7:19 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
No damage estimates are available.
Sargent Avenue fires
At 8:21 a.m. WFPS responded to reports of additional bin fires, including one that extended to an adjacent 3-storey apartment block in the 700 block of Sargent Avenue.
Crews launched an offensive attack on the structure fire and it was declared under control at 8:52 a.m.
Crews evacuated occupants of the structure. No injuries were reported.
No damage estimates are currently available.
Arson Prevention
Each spring, the WFPS sees an increase in the number of fires, particularly those which are determined to be incendiary, or purposely set. Over the past week the WFPS responded to a number of outdoor fires, many involving garbage that were deemed suspicious.
In an effort to reduce these types of fires, the WFPS operates its Community Fire Prevention Partnership (CFPP) with Local Business Improvement Zones and Take Pride Winnipeg to help identify and report properties at risk of arson in the community.
In addition, WFPS crews conduct neighbourhood fire prevention inspections throughout the spring and summer months to help identify potential fire hazards. If a property is found to have a fire risk, firefighters provide the property owner with an information pamphlet and instructions on how to reduce the identified fire risks.
Property owners can help prevent the risk of arson:
- Only put your garbage and recycling carts and yard waste out on your collection day.
- Dispose of garbage, yard waste, lumber, and bulky waste (such as mattresses or couches) properly and promptly.
- Contact 311 to schedule a pickup of your bulky waste items or to report fire hazards.
- Keep all garbage, bulky waste, and firewood well away from your house or garage.
- Use motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your home or garage. Keep garage doors closed and locked.
Members of the public are also reminded to contact the Winnipeg Police Service’s non-emergency line if they notice someone entering a vacant structure.
For more fire prevention tips and resources, see: www.winnipeg.ca/fireprevention and winnipeg.ca/ourstories