Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service were called to a Mountain Avenue one-and-a-half storey house on Christmas Eve shortly after 9:00 pm for the report of a fire.
When crews arrived they found flames and smoke coming from the structure. and interior attack was launched with the fire being declared under control at 10:37 pm. No human injuries were reported but an unresponsive cat was located in the home. Firefighters were able to resuscitate the pet and it was returned to its owner.
The house sustained significant damage from water, smoke and flames. A neighbouring home also sustained significant damage to the exterior.
Officials say the cause of the fire was a propane deep fryer being used near the exterior of the building.
WFPS warns that these types of fryers use litres of oil and have a high risk of being spilled which can cause severe injuries.
Extreme care should be taken if you use one of these devices.
- The oil is heated to such a high temperature for frying that the vapors could ignite, resulting in a fire.
- Fryers can be bumped or tipped over when food is put in or taken out, presenting a greater risk for the oil to splash or spill. Outdoor fryers that come with a stand have the greatest risk of tipping.
- If you use a fryer during rain or snow, you are at higher risk of injury. When rain or snow hits the hot oil, the oil can splash or turn to steam, which can cause burns. Fires can occur when fryers are moved indoors or into a garage to keep the appliance out of the rain or snow.
- Moving the food from the fryer to a serving plate presents another chance of contact with hot oil.
- Foods that are not completely thawed may cause the oil to splash, which can cause burns.
