Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Hargrave Street and Nassau Street South

Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires this morning.

Hargrave Street fire

At 8:42 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire on a balcony of a high-rise apartment building in the 300 block of Hargrave Street.

When crews arrived on scene, they found smoke and flames coming from the balcony of an upper floor. They launched a fire attack and quickly brought the fire under control before it extended into the building.

Most occupants were able to shelter in place in their suites. No injuries were reported.

Damage estimates are not available. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental and likely caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials.

Preventing Smoking-Related Fires

The WFPS has responded to several fires over the past week believed to be caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials. These fires can be prevented.

We are reminding everyone to follow these important safety tips to help prevent smoking-related fires:

• Always dispose of smoking materials in a proper ashtray or deep metal container. Place the container on a stable surface, well away from anything that can burn.
• Never smoke in bed or on surfaces that can easily ignite, such as upholstered furniture.
• Stay fully alert while smoking. Avoid smoking if you feel drowsy or have taken medication or substances that may impair your awareness.
• Ensure ashes and cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal. The safest approach is to soak them in water or sand.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches and related materials out of reach of children, or store them securely.
• Never discard cigarette butts from balconies, decks or vehicle windows. Avoid disposing of them near grass, leaves, brush or other vegetation.
• Do not use plant pots as ashtrays. Potting soil often contains combustible materials such as peat moss and shredded wood. A cigarette butt can smoulder for hours, eventually generating enough heat to crack the container. This allows oxygen to enter and can cause a fire that may spread to nearby structures like decks, balconies or walls.

Nassau Street South fire

At 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey townhouse structure in the 700 block of Nassau Street South.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the building. They launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 11:36 a.m.

As a precaution, occupants from one other suite were evacuated by crews. They were able to No injuries were reported.

The City's Emergency Social Services team was activated to provide temporary support to displaced residents.

Damage estimates are not available.

The fire is under investigation.