Latest vacant home to catch fire in Winnipeg brought additional risks: WFPS

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      Vacant home fires always present a new dangerous challenge for the firefighters who are tasked with putting them out, but when the temperature outside is freezing there is a whole new slate of risks. Mike Albanese has more.

      By Mike Albanese

      Another vacant home on Stella Avenue burned Monday night. But this time it was much more dangerous for firefighters to put out.

      Not only because it carries the damage of a previous burn, but because it was -30ºC when they attacked it.

      “It does put neighbouring properties at risk from substantially the fire, but also water and ice risk,” said Scott Wilkinson, Asst. Chief of Community Risk Reduction with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS).

      “A lot of icing concerns obviously, we’re throwing water so we have freezing hose lines so we have ice that present trip and fall considerations, we have to get through snow banks, and our personnel have to do exertion as they pull equipment through the snow banks and ice. It poses a lot of great risks.”

      Wilkinson says a home that has burned multiple times is extra prone to collapse. When water is sprayed onto a home like this while it’s freezing outside, the challenges mount.

      “The freezing on the building can cause other collapse or stability hazards so, and our equipment freezes up, it is challenging.”

      There are also special considerations for the crews who brave both fire and ice. Their gear is designed to primarily protect against fire, not frigid temperatures.


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      “Our staff is certainly prepared, they know it’s coming but once you’ve been out there. We have to be really on track for cycling our crews and getting people off the scene, and getting fresh crews in who are dry and warm and able to do the work without increased risk,” explained Wilkinson.

      Numerous vacant homes have burned in the past month in Winnipeg. Housing advocates say that’s due to dropping temperatures.

      “What’s a place that’s going to be sheltered from the elements, gives you some degree of privacy and be kind of out of the way? A vacant home, especially if there is one in your neighbourhood or where you’re spending time already. [A vacant home] starts to look like a really good option,” explained Luke Thiessen, Siloam Mission.

      Thiessen says these fires start when a heat source is sought out within the home.

      “Maybe even bring something electrical that’s going to create heat or start a fire. The intention is never to burn something down, I think that would be counter-productive to what a person is trying to accomplish spending time in a vacant property.”

      Thiessen says although the solution to this is complicated, the city needs more available affordable housing and housing with supports.

      Wilkinson says he also hopes to see vacant homes back on the market quicker to curb the issue.

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