Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) rescued an individual from the Red River and responded to a large grass fire last evening.
Water Rescue
At 7:23 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of an individual in the Red River near Tache Avenue.
One of the residents who called 911 maintained a sightline of the individual until crews arrived and were able to direct the crews to the appropriate location.
Using specialized equipment, water rescue crews entered the water and brought the individual to shore.
The patient was transported to hospital in unstable condition by on-scene paramedics.
At this time, it is not known how the individual came to be in the water, or how long they were there.
Robson Park Grass Fire
At 7:50 p.m. on May 7, 2021, crews responded to reports of a grass fire in the vicinity of Robson Park in Mission Gardens. 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 8:10 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Wildland fire prevention
Conditions within Winnipeg are dry and the WFPS is urging residents to take steps to prevent wildland fires.
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. This includes fires within an approved fire pit.
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.
More information can be found at www.winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.