Fire at Winnipeg home sends three people to hospital

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An overnight fire at a Winnipeg home sent three people to hospital on Monday morning.

The fire broke out just before 2:30 a.m. at a house in the 200 Block of Sharp Boulevard.

When the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) got to the scene. they found smoke and flames coming from the home. Crews launched an interior attack and had the fire under control by 3 a.m.

Two people got out of the house on their own, while firefighters helped a third person evacuate.

All occupants were taken to the hospital – one in unstable condition and two in stable condition. Crews also rescued a cat and dog from the fire.

There was no damage estimates available. However, preliminary observations show the fire was accidentally caused by a lithium-ion battery or charger.

The city reminded residents there is risk of a fire when charging anything with a battery. To protect yourself, it recommended following the manufacturer’s instructions; only using the battery and charging cables that come with the items; unplugging the item once it’s fully charged; and charging items on hard surfaces.

The city adds you should stop using or charging an item if it leaks; gives off too much heat; makes weird noises; has changed shape or colour; or shows signs of corrosion.

WFPS responds to two more fires

The WFPS also responded to other fires on Sunday evening, including one at a home in the 500 block of Machray Avenue and another at a high-rise apartment building in the 200 block of Dufferin Avenue.

No one was hurt in these blazes, and there are currently no damage estimates.

According to the city, preliminary investigations show both fires were accidental, with the one on Machray due to a child using a lighter and the one on Dufferin caused by improper disposal of smoking materials.

Winnipeggers are reminded to extinguish smoking materials in a proper ashtray; avoid smoking on surfaces that could catch fire; ensure ashes and butts are fully extinguished before throwing away; keep cigarettes, lighters and matches out of reach of kids; never throw butts from balconies, decks or car windows; and to never use a plant pot as an ashtray.