A Winnipeg woman says her daughter's family has been trying to stay warm in their First Nation housing complex since the furnace broke down this fall, but there are concerns about how they are expected to heat their home.

Space heater safety

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says people who use space heaters in their homes should make sure the heaters:

  • Are CSA/ULC approved.
  • Are located a safe distance from combustibles and in safe locations.
  • Are used following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Are used without an extension cord.
  • Have undamaged plugs and cords.
  • Are used with working smoke alarms.

Source: Fire Prevention Branch, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS)

Marilyn Courchene says her daughter and grandchildren have been living without heat for over a month in their townhouse, which is part of the Pembina Highway housing complex run by the Sagkeeng First Nation.

"I myself sat here and used the stove, for goodness sakes, to heat the place up — the main floor — [and] that doesn't include the basement or the upstairs," she said.

"I think it's like a humanitarian issue here."

The building's furnace stopped working in September, and Courchene said following a number of complaints, all the family has received are nine small space heaters.

"When will they fix this? When will my children be safe?" she said.

When CBC News contacted Winnipeg's fire department about the number of space heaters being used, officials said they will be sending inspectors to the complex to investigate.

Using space heaters for long periods of time can pose a serious fire hazard, according to fire officials.

Shortly after speaking with CBC News on Wednesday, Courchene called back to say someone from the housing authority has informed her that a new furnace will be coming next week.