Family of 4, unaware building was on fire, safely evacuated from Burrows Avenue basement suite

Posted on December 7, 2024 by Peggy

A family of four who were unaware their building was on fire were treated for smoke inhalation after officers broke into the building and helped them evacuate from their basement suite, Winnipeg police say.

General patrol officers spotted fire and smoke unfurling from a multi-use building in the 400 block of Burrows Avenue, near Powers Street in the William Whyte neighbourhood, just after 6 a.m. Friday.

Aware there were people trapped inside, officers broke through the main door of the building, according to a Saturday police news release.

The family in the basement suite — two adults and two children — were “unaware of the impending danger,” police said, and officers helped them evacuate the building.

A store employee also safely evacuated the building.

The family, the store employee and the officers were assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation, but no one required further medical treatment, police say.

Winnipeg firefighters brought the fire under control and no other injuries were reported.

Police say the fire is under investigation.