Rapid intervention by WFPS extinguishes fire in 11-storey building

Firefighters are reminding the public about safety precautions after a fire broke out in an 11-story apartment building on Kennedy Street due to improperly disposed smoking materials.

On Friday, July 5, shortly after 4:30 p.m., Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service paramedic crews responded to a fire alarm at a high-rise apartment building in the 300 block of Kennedy Street.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered smoke and flames in one of the suites. Immediately afterward, an aggressive fire response was initiated and by 4:52 p.m. the fire was under control.

The resident of the affected suite had evacuated it before the fire department arrived.

The City of Winnipeg says no injuries were reported. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire was accidentally caused by improper disposal of smoking materials.

The WFPS reminds residents to follow the following safety tips to prevent such incidents:

• Always extinguish smoking products in a suitable ashtray or a deep metal container that can be placed on a stable surface and away from flammable objects.
• Avoid smoking in bed or on flammable surfaces such as upholstered furniture.
• Be alert when smoking and avoid smoking if you feel sleepy or after taking medications or substances that cause drowsiness.
• Make sure ash and cigarette butts are completely extinguished by immersing them in water or sand before disposal.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters and matches out of the reach of children or in a locked cupboard.
• Never dispose of cigarette butts from balconies, patios or car windows or near vegetation such as grass, leaves or bushes.
• Do not use flower pots as ashtrays, as potting soil contains flammable materials that can smolder and potentially ignite surrounding flammable materials.