Winnipeg, MB – At 4:06 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a large wildland fire in the grassy space near Chester Street and Thomas Avenue in Elmwood. It was estimated to cover an area the size of two football fields. With wind speeds gusting to over 40km/h, the fire was at serious risk of further spread.
Crews used specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to attack the fire and protect the surrounding areas and properties.
The fire was under control at 4:46 p.m.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. This is the third significant wildland fire in the past two days. Conditions are very dry and residents are urged to be cautious in order to prevent these types of fires.
Wildland fire prevention
Residents are reminded that burning yard waste, garbage, or scrap material is prohibited within city limits. As well, fires cannot be started, even with a proper fire permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h.
It is also important that residents never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of vegetation or from vehicle windows, and butts should also never be put out in planter pots.
To protect businesses and homes from grass and brush fires, proper landscaping and vegetation management are important, particularly when conditions are dry. This includes thinning and pruning vegetation, removing trees and converting to fire-resistant plants, and general cleanup of brush, leaves, grass, and debris. Watering plants and vegetation in the area surrounding your home is also important, particularly in the first 10 meters around the home.
Other strategies include storing firewood at least 10 meters away from structures, and ensuring approved outdoor fire receptacles are in an open area away from overhanging vegetation. The City also has a set of guidelines regarding outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fire places, and outdoor BBQs. The rules regarding fires within approved outdoor fire receptacles are set out in part 6 of the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law.