WINNIPEG - April 12, 2010 - Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services reports that the dry weather due to unseasonable temperatures this spring has created the potential for grass fires which have recently become a problem in the City.

Factors contributing to grass fires may include:

· Unauthorized burning. Any open air fire, other than residential backyard approved fire pits, within the City of Winnipeg requires a burning permit which is available at the Fire Prevention Branch, 604 St. Mary’s Road

· Any burning of crop residue on agricultural land within the City requires a permit through Fire Prevention.

· Burning of any tree branches, leaves and any other spring clean up debris also requires a burn permit.

Many grass fires can be avoided as the vast majority of them are caused by carelessness. Often people are unaware that sparks can travel with the wind and set fire to a property a considerable distance away.

Residents are also reminded that they can recycle their spring yard waste by dropping it off at any of the “Leaf It With Us” depots. It will be composted into a reusable soil-like material and used to landscape finished landfill areas. For more information about this program, visit winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste