Cigarettes blamed in 2 of 4 house fires in Winnipeg

Five people crawled out the window of a burning home in one of four fires around Winnipeg Sunday night and into Monday morning.

A 1-storeyhome on Disraeli Street in the city's Point Douglas neighbourhood between Sutherland and Rover avenues was already engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived around3:30 a.m. Monday

The five residents were outside after escaping through the window.None were injured but they were assessed by paramedics just to be sure.

Crews were called back about three hours later after someone called to report smoke coming from the house. The smouldering hot spots were quickly extinguished.

The cause of the fire was determined to be careless disposal of cigarette.

Agnes Street

A two-storey home in the city's West End is expected to be a complete loss after a fire Sunday night.

Crews were sent around11:25 p.m. to the home onAgnes Street, off Sargent Avenue, after reports of heavy smoke and flames.

The fire was extinguished about an hour later but the house enduredsignificant smoke, fire and water damage, says a news release from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Alfred Avenue

Fire crews rushed to a 2-storey duplex on Alfred Avenue near Salter Street in the city's North End at 1:50 a.m. Monday.

The fire was declared under control at 2:14 a.m. and a search found no occupants inside, the fire-paramedic service said.

Crews were called back after a hot spot reignited around4:32 a.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Harbison Avenue E.

The careless disposal of a cigarette is also blamed for a deck fire at a home in Elmwood on Monday.

Crews were called around 8:15a.m. to a bungalow on Harbison Avenue E.off Grey Street. The flames were threatening the attached home, the fire department said.

The fire was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported.