A fire at Marion School on Des Meurons Street has cancelled classes today, February 12, 2025. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a monitored fire alarm at the school at approximately 6:10 a.m. Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke inside the building and launched an interior fire attack. The fire was quickly controlled, and firefighters worked to ventilate the smoke.
Damage from the fire was primarily contained to a single office within the school. No occupants were present during the incident, and no injuries were reported.
The fire is believed to have been accidental, stemming from an overheated electrical outlet with a portable space heater plugged in.
The school has advised families to watch for email updates regarding further information about the resumption of classes.
Damage estimates are not yet available.
Following this incident, the WFPS is reminding residents of the importance of space heater safety. Key safety tips include:
- Always turn off and unplug space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
- Maintain at least one metre (three feet) of clearance between the heater and any flammable materials.
- Choose space heaters equipped with thermostats and overheat protection.
- Place heaters on solid, flat surfaces.
- Ensure heaters have an auto shut-off feature in case they tip over.
- Keep heaters out of high-traffic areas and never block exits.
- Keep children away from space heaters.
- Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, avoiding the use of extension cords.
- Purchase heaters that bear the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
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