Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Fire caused by cigarette in planter: fire commissioner

A house fire in the 200 block of Lansdowne Avenue overnight Sunday was caused by the careless disposal of smoking material in a planter with peat moss, the Office of the Manitoba Fire Commissioner said today.

Police officers patrolling in the area saved five people from the burning house.

Winnipeg police Const. Jason Michalyshen said police rushed to the house about 2:35 a.m. Officers "immediately began banging on the front door, alerting the sleeping occupants. Once the officers were able to gain entry, five occupants were safely evacuated," Michalyshen said.

He said the officers were in the area on an unrelated matter when a passing motorist told them there appeared to be a house on fire.

A neighbour believes the house was used as a small group home.

Police said damage totalled $195,000, including minor damage to a neighbouring house.

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