Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Dufferin Avenue and Manila Road

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Dufferin Avenue and Manila Road

Released: 9:16 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – Last evening, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two fires.

Dufferin Avenue Fire

At 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 4, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in multi-family residence in the 700 block of Dufferin Avenue.

When crews arrived on scene they encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. Crews launched an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 8:23 p.m.

All occupants self-evacuated from the structure before crews arrived. One individual was assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in unstable condition.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are currently available.

Manila Road Fire

At 8:09 p.m. on Sunday, April 4, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the first 100 block of Manila Road.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the home. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 8:20 p.m.

All occupants of the home safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Crews located pets in the home and reunited them with the owners. No injuries were reported.

The fire is believed to be accidental, caused by unattended cooking. No damage estimates are currently available.

Residents are reminded of the following safety strategies to prevent kitchen fires:

• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. Stove burners should always be turned off when leaving the kitchen, even for a short time.
• Anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — should always be kept away from the stovetop.
• Oil should always be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the pot with a metal lid. Never use water to put out an oil fire.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to significant grass fire in Charleswood

Released: 5:13 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – At 2:21 p.m. on April 5, 2021, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports of a fire in the grassy and forested area behind Charleswood Road. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a grass and brush fire, extending several hundred metres.

Using specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the WFPS Bisons, crews were able to attack the fire, while protecting nearby structures and homes. Crews had the fire under control at 3:38 p.m.

One firefighter was injured and required medical attention. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

To protect businesses and homes from grass and brush fires, proper landscaping and vegetation management are important, particularly when conditions are dry. This includes thinning and pruning vegetation, removing trees and converting to fire-resistant plants, and general cleanup of brush, leaves, grass, and debris. Watering plants and vegetation in the area surrounding your home is also important, particularly in the first 10 meters around the home.

Other strategies include storing firewood at least 10 meters away from structures, and ensuring approved outdoor fire receptacles are in an open area away from overhanging vegetation. The City also has a set of guidelines regarding outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fire places, and outdoor BBQs. The rules regarding fires within approved outdoor fire receptacles are set out in part 6 of the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law.

It is also important that residents never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of vegetation or from vehicle windows, and butts should never be put out in planter pots.