Winnipeg police seek suspects in 2 overnight garage fires

Winnipeg police are looking for suspects in two separate garage fires early Thursday morning that caused a total of $900,000 in damage to homes and vehicles as well as the garages.

• Pacific Avenue fire sends 1 person to hospital in Winnipeg

In the first blaze, it appears a discarded sofa left near a garage in the 500 block of Oakland Avenue was set ablaze at around 3:20 a.m. Thursday, police said.

The fire spread from the garage to thehome and caused significant damage to the vehicles inside, police said.

Three people inside the home escaped unharmed. Total damage is estimated at $400,000.

Then at about 6 a.m., firefighters responded to a house fire in the 1400 block of Pacific Avenue W.

That fire appears to have started in the garage, then spread to the house,two neighbouring homes and two vehicles parked nearby, police said.

Two residents were taken to hospital in stable condition.

Damage to the Pacific Avenue home is estimated at $500,000.

Both fires are suspicious and under investigation by the Winnipeg Police Service's arson unit, police said in a news release Friday. No arrests have been made in either case.

Anyone with information about either fire is asked to call investigators at 204-986-6813 or Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Arson prevention tips

Police say as of Thursday, 116 cases have been reported so far this year. By comparison, 131 arsons were reported in the same period last year.

"We'd like to remind citizens that with the warmer weather comes conditions that are more conducive to fire, and also puts more people out and about walking around in the alleyways, and perhaps temptation becomes too great for them," Det.-Sgt. KathyAntymissaid Friday.

The police service offers these arson prevention tips to residents:

• Report discarded furniture or other large garbage items to 311.
• Avoid putting bins, garbage or other combustible items against the outside of your home, garage, shed or fence. These are a ready supply of fuel for an arsonist.
• Put your garbage and recycling bins out before 7 a.m.on the day of pickup, but not the night before. Secure them in a safe place on your property as soon as possible after pickup.
• Clean up overgrown shrubs and trees, as they also can be a source of fuel for an arsonist.
• Don't leave flammable liquids, such as gas and propane, out in the open. Make sure they are properly stored.
• Ensure that your house, garage and shed are well-secured. Maintain outdoor motion sensor lights.
• Remove abandoned vehicles from your property.

Police also encourage residents to take part in a Citizens on Patrol or Neighbourhood Watch program and talk to neighbours about calling police if they notice any suspicious activities.