Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to two accidental fires late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Just before midnight a fire was reported in a townhouse in the 400 block of Carpathia Road.
When firefighters arrived on scene they encountered smoke coming from one unit and immediately launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 12:10 am.
The four people inside the building when the fire started were able to get out before crews arrived. All four were assessed by paramedics on-scene and taken to hospital.
Firefighters rescued a cat from the structure.
WFPS says that they believe the fire was accidental. The cause of the fire was a candle that was being improperly used.
The fire prompted officials to issue a reminder when using candles:
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Use approved non-combustible candle holders and place them on a firm, non-slip surface.
- Avoid putting lit candles in a drafty area 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.
- Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
The second fire crews responded to was called in around 1:22 am today and involved an unoccupied two-and-a-half storey house in the 300 block of Victor Street.
An offensive attack was launched after crews encountered smoke upon their arrival on-scene. The fire was declared under control by 2:05 am
No one was found inside after a search of the building. No injuries were reporteed
The cause of the fire appears to have been caused by an electrical failure.
© News4.ca 2020
