Winnipeg, MB – At 1:01 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a vegetation fire in area of the Transcona Bioreserve Loop.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found a significant grass and brush fire, covering an area the size of a football field. The WFPS drone was launched and the images were used to direct crews to hotspots. Specialized wildland firefighting equipment was used to fight the fire.
The fire was declared under control at 1:59 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Grass and wildland fire prevention
With dry and windy spring conditions, the WFPS is asking residents to take steps to reduce the risk of grass and wildland fires in our community.
Wildfires in Winnipeg are typically wind-driven ground fires involving grass, brush, and dead plant matter. In a typical year, WFPS responds to approximately 200 of these types of fires within city limits. This number increases when conditions are drier than normal. These fires often spread quickly and can threaten property, or in some cases, cause extensive damage to properties.
“Until it greens up or we get some significant rain, there is an increased risk for grass and wildland fires, particularly when we have high winds,” said Scott Wilkinson, Deputy Chief, Fire Rescue Operations and Training. “Almost all wildland fires are a result of human activity. We are asking residents to be cautious and take steps to prevent these fires. It’s also important for property owners near wildland areas to properly maintain their yards to reduce their risks.”
Protecting your property:
- Thin and prune vegetation, removing trees and cleaning up brush, leaves, grass and debris
- Plant fire-resistant plants and shrubs – avoid flammable plants and trees that accumulate dry, dead material, or have papery bark
- Water plants and vegetation in the area surrounding your home, particularly during dry conditions
- Store firewood at least 10 metres away from structures
- Position your approved fire pits/receptacles in an open area away from overhanging trees
Preventing wildland and grass fires
- Remember – fires cannot be started, even with a proper fire permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h
- Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood – do not burn yard waste, garbage, or scrap material on your property, doing so within city limits is prohibited and can result in a fine
- Only use approved outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fire places and outdoor BBQs
- Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor
- Always have a means to extinguish the fire readily available
- Do not dispose of cigarette butts in any sort of vegetation (including grass), in planter pots, or from vehicle windows
- Speak to your children about the risks of starting fires
In recent years, the WFPS acquired specialized equipment to combat wildfires, including the WFPS Bison, compressed air-foam snuffers, pumper tankers for water supply, and quads to access otherwise difficult to reach locations rapidly.
For more information visit: winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.