The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is reminding residents about safe cooking practices after a Winnipegger walked away from their stove and returned to flames and smoke.
The City of Winnipeg says in a release that emergency crews were called to a home in the 800 block of McDermot Avenue around 4 p.m. on Monday, September 2 for reports of a fire.
Smoke was coming from the structure when firefighters arrived on scene. They were able to go inside the house and launched an offensive fire attack, using hose lines to apply water to the fire. It was declared under control at 4:32 p.m.
The resident of the home evacuated before crews arrived on scene and no injuries were reported.
Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking. Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to reduce the risk of kitchen fires:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains should be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the top with a metal lid.
- Never use water to put out an oil fire.