A garage fire in Transcona has prompted the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg to issue a call for help from residents in the city. Emergency crews were called to the fire in the 400 block of Melrose Avenue West shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, according to the City of Winnipeg. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the garage, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring houses. It was extinguished by 3 a.m., and no injuries were reported. “Less than a week into the new year, Winnipeg Fire Department crews have already responded to multiple structure fires,” Nick Kasper, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, wrote in a post on Facebook. “We are Canada’s busiest fire service. With growth not keeping pace with demand, Winnipeg now faces the slowest response times among major Canadian cities—delays that directly impact outcomes.” Kasper issued a call for help from Winnipeggers heading into the New Year. “Please, help us by only calling 911 only for confirmed, immediate life-threatening emergencies so crews remain available for critical, time-sensitive responses that prevent loss of life and property,” he said. The fire on Melrose Avenue West is under investigation, a city spokesperson confirmed, adding no damage estimates are available at this time.
