There were no injuries after a malfunctioning clothes dryer sparked an apartment fire Friday afternoon.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says in a release that firefighters were called around 3:30 to reports of a fire in a single-storey apartment complex in the 200 block of Templeton Avenue.

When crews arrived on scene, they encountered smoke in the building and launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 3:42 p.m.

All occupants of the building were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

The WFPS says that preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction in the operation of a clothes dryer. Residents can reduce the risk of these types of fires by following these important tips:

  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional to ensure it is in good working order.
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter and always clean the filter after each load of laundry.
  • Periodically check the venting system to ensure there is no lint buildup and it is not damaged, crushed, or restricted.
  • Make sure the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is running.
  • Never leave a dryer running when leaving your home.