Winnipeg, MB – At 2:58 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a wildland fire near the 100 block of Newcombe Crescent.
When crews arrived, a grassy area approximately 70 meters by 70 meters was involved in fire producing heavy smoke.
Crews used specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to attack the fires and protect the surrounding areas and properties. The fire was declared under control at 4:23 p.m. Crews searched the surrounding areas to ensure no fire had spread beyond the incident area.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire ban
An open-air fire ban is in place for the city of Winnipeg, effective until July 28, 2021. This ban prohibits all residents from engaging in the following activities, even if a permit was previously issued: open fires, backyard fire pits, fireworks, fire pits in City parks, use of solid fuel-burning appliances including charcoal and wood-burning barbecues.
Wildland and grass fire prevention
Conditions in and around Winnipeg are extremely dry and there is little precipitation in the forecast. Residents must exercise caution to prevent wildland and grass fires. Burning yard waste, garbage, or scrap material is prohibited within city limits and can result in a fine.
It is also important that residents never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of vegetation or from vehicle windows. 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.