At 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2025, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire at a single-family bungalow on Yorkvalley Way. The blaze, which originated from a vehicle inside the home’s attached garage, was swiftly tackled by the responding fire crews. The fire was declared under control by 12:13 p.m.
Thanks to the rapid response from the newly established WFPS Station in Waverley West, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the structure. As a result, damage was primarily confined to the vehicle involved.
All residents of the home safely evacuated before the fire crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was accidental, likely caused by a plugged-in block heater. The WFPS is using this incident as an opportunity to remind residents of crucial safety tips to prevent similar fires:
- Avoid plugging in vehicles inside garages—whether attached or detached.
- Inspect block heaters and extension cords for any signs of wear or damage before use.
- Replace damaged cords and have a licensed mechanic check block heater cords if they’ve been accidentally driven away with still plugged in.
- Do not overload extension cords or use them as substitutes for permanent wiring.
- Avoid running cords through walls, doorways, ceilings, floors, or under rugs/mats.
- Ensure cords are kept dry and not run through water or snow.
The WFPS encourages all residents to stay vigilant and follow these guidelines to prevent future fire hazards.
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