Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two recent structure fires.
Mountain Avenue fire
At 9:10 p.m. on Sunday, December 24, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half-storey, single-family house in the 700 block of Mountain Avenue.
When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the house. They launched an interior fire attack and the fire was extinguished by 10:37 p.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated. A neighbouring home was evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported. Firefighters located one unresponsive cat in the house. Resuscitation efforts were successful and the cat was returned to its owner.
The house sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage. The neighbouring house also sustained significant damage on the exterior. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by a propane deep fryer being used near the exterior of the house. These types of fryers heat litres of cooking oil to very high temperatures. The risk of this oil being spilled is significant and the injuries resulting can be severe. Extreme care should always be taken if you use one of these devices to avoid injuries or fires.
- The oil is heated to such a high temperature for frying that the vapors could ignite, resulting in a fire.
- Fryers can be bumped or tipped over when food is put in or taken out, presenting a greater risk for the oil to splash or spill. Outdoor fryers that come with a stand have the greatest risk of tipping.
- If you use a fryer during rain or snow, you are at higher risk of injury. When rain or snow hits the hot oil, the oil can splash or turn to steam, which can cause burns. Fires can occur when fryers are moved indoors or into a garage to keep the appliance out of the rain or snow.
- Moving the food from the fryer to a serving plate presents another chance of contact with hot oil.
- Foods that are not completely thawed may cause the oil to splash, which can cause burns.
Broadway fire
At 6:50 a.m. on Monday, December 25, 2023, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half-storey house in the 700 block of Broadway.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the structure. They deployed a Flameguard X-Tinguish Fire Suppression Tool (FST). The aerosol device generates a mist that expands to flood the space, helping to suppress flames and reduce temperatures in order to allow for safer access.
Once fire conditions improved they were able to enter the structure to complete extinguishment of the fire. The fire was declared under control at 8:01 a.m.
A search of the building was completed and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.