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The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is reminding Winnipeggers of important safety measures after two accidental housefires within hours of each other.
King Edward Street Fire
On Friday, October 25, just before 9 p.m., fire crews were called to a bungalow in the 2100 block of King Edward Street.
The City of Winnipeg says smoke was visible upon their arrival, prompting an interior fire attack.
By 9:36 p.m., the fire was brought under control. Fortunately, the residents had already evacuated, and no injuries were reported, though the home sustained smoke and water damage.
Early investigations point to a malfunctioning fireplace as the likely cause.
WFPS is reminding residents to practice heating safety, suggesting the following steps:
- Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters
- Have a qualified professional install your furnace
- Have your furnaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
- Turn portable space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
- Never use your oven to heat your home
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before removing them
Cavalier Drive Fire
Just hours later, at 5:28 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, crews were dispatched to a duplex in the 1000 block of Cavalier Drive.
Smoke was billowing from the structure when firefighters arrived, and an offensive attack quickly controlled the fire by 6:07 a.m.
The residents had evacuated before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. A candle appears to have been the cause of the blaze.
Residents are reminded to take special care when using candles, always following these safety tips:
- Never leave lit candles unattended
- Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets
- Never dispose of candles in the trash until the wax has hardened and the wick is no longer hot
- Use non-combustible candleholders and place them on a firm, non-slip surface
- Avoid burning candles in drafty areas to prevent uneven burning and wax dripping
- Extinguish a candle when it burns down to within two inches of its holder or base
- Keep candles away from any flammable materials, decorations, curtains, or other combustible material like bedding or cushions
- Keep candle wicks trimmed to half an inch and remove excess wax before storage. Long, crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and wax drippings