Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a garage fire late Friday afternoon, January 17, 2020, on Woodstock Lane in Charleswood
As crews arrived they encountered smoke coming from the attached garage of a single storey home. An offensive attack was launched.
The blaze caused significant fire, smoke and water damage to the garage.
A vehicle inside the garage was also destroyed during the incident.
Crews were on scene for several hours extinguishing the fire and mopping up.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
Last night and again early this morning firefighters also responded to garage fires.
Just after 8:10 pm crews responded to a fire in a detached garage on Weatherdon Avenue. It was quickly extinguished.
Around 4:30 am this morning firefighters responder to another detached garage fire this time on Hatcher Road.
Officials say that both those fires were caused by an electrical failure of a block heater that was plugged into a vehicle inside the garage.
WFPS says that this type of fire is preventable and say that a vehicle should never be plugged into a block heater inside a garage. They say the garage provides adequate shelter for a vehicle in cold weather.
Here are some things to remember when dealing with electrical cords and block heaters:
- Regularly inspect your extension cord for nicks and frays. If it is damaged, discontinue use and replace the cord.
- If you’ve driven over or accidentally backed out of your driveway with your cord still plugged in, consider it damaged and get a new one.
- Cover your block heater plug-in with its protective cover.
- Have your block heater cord inspected each year by a qualified mechanic. If the prongs are damaged discontinue use and have it replaced. Clean salt and road grit from the prongs and female end of the cord.
© News4.ca 2020
