Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to three overnight fires.
Dugald Road fire
At 9:08 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in an industrial structure in the 1500 block of Dugald Road.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they determined there was a fire in an industrial smelting furnace. Crews entered the building and fought the fire from the interior. The fire was declared under control at 10:16 p.m.
All employees in the building safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction in the furnace.
William Avenue fire
At 9:40 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey house in the 500 block of William Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They entered and launched an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 10:38 p.m.
Firefighters searched the building, and no occupants were found. There were no injuries reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.
Brophy Avenue fire
At 3:43 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the WFPS responded to a monitored fire alarm in a single-family bungalow on Brophy Avenue.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters entered and fought the fire from the interior. The fire was declared under control at 4:30 a.m.
All occupants evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. Firefighters located and rescued multiple cats from the residence.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team was activated, providing temporary support for displaced residents
Damage estimates are not available.
Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to smoking. Residents are reminded to follow these safety tips:
- Smoking material should always be extinguished in a proper ashtray or deep metal container. The container should be placed on a sturdy surface, away from anything that can burn.
- Do not smoke in bed or on surfaces that can catch fire (upholstered furniture).
- Always be fully alert when smoking. Don’t smoke while falling asleep, or after taking medications or substances that make you drowsy.
- Before throwing ashes and butts away, be sure to ensure they are fully extinguished. Dousing them in water or sand is the best way to ensure they are completely out.
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials out of the reach of children or in a locked cabinet.
- Butts should never be thrown from balconies, decks, car windows, or disposed of near any vegetation such as grass, leaves or brush.
- Never use a plant pot as an ashtray. Potting soil is a mix of dirt and a number of combustible organic materials such as peat moss, shredded wood and minerals which are combustible. When a butt is put into a planter, it can smolder for several hours. Once the container heats up, it can crack, giving the smoldering material oxygen and the opportunity to spread to other combustibles such as decks, balconies, walls, etc.