Rough start and finish to long weekend for Portage firefighters and homeowners

It was a rough start and end to this long weekend for a few Portage la Prairie homeowners and Portage Firefighters. Two separate fires each affected adjacent properties. Portage City Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Norm Vuignier says two cruisers responded to the first fire early Saturday morning at 3:00 a.m. with four personnel, and the second early this morning at 7 a.m. 

"One was this morning just after 7 a.m.," says Vuignier. "Three trucks and nine members were dispatched. Both are currently under investigation."

He notes the first fire was in the 300 block of 6th Avenue along 3rd St NE with an exposure to garage and a vehicle. 

"The second fire, this morning, was in the 10th block of 5th St SE with three exposures," says Vuignier.

Vuignier explains if you see any suspicious activity, please report it through the RCMP. 

"If you have a fire pit in the backyard, make sure that you have your fire pit permit."

Click photos below to enlarge: