Article content
Shortly before 11 a.m. Monday, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a fire at the Home Depot located at Abinojii Mikanah. Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke inside the store and identified the source of the fire in a utility room.
Article content
Staff and customers were promptly evacuated from the store, and no injuries were reported. The damage from the fire was confined to the utility room, thanks to the quick response and the sprinkler system.
Preliminary observations indicate that the fire was likely accidental, caused by a failure in a battery or charger within the utility room. This incident highlights the potential risks of charging batteries, which can sometimes lead to fires.
To minimize such risks, it is essential to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging batteries. Use only the battery and charging cables provided with the item, and unplug it once fully charged. Charging devices on hard surfaces, like tables or countertops, is recommended while charging on soft surfaces, such as beds or couches, should be avoided. If batteries exhibit unusual heat, noises, leaking, or any signs of deformation or corrosion, they should no longer be used or charged.
Share this article in your social network