Winnipeg, MB – On Friday, November 1, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires and a grass fire.
Elgin Avenue West structure fire
At 9:51 a.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a commercial building in the 1400 block of Elgin Avenue West.
At the scene, firefighters saw smoke coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from inside the building, declaring the fire under control at 10:17 a.m.
All occupants safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Mercury Bay structure fire
At 2:32 p.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a one-storey home on Mercury Bay. Firefighters saw smoke coming from the house when they arrived.
Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control within an hour. All occupants safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
No damage estimates are available. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to the electrical system.
Plessis Road grass fire
At 2:42 p.m., WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire near Plessis Road and St. Boniface Road. When they arrived, firefighters saw a grass fire covering an area about the size of a football field.
Firefighters attacked the fire using specialized wildland firefighting vehicles called WFPS Bisons. Firefighters drove the vehicles, which are made to go over uneven terrain while applying water at the same time. This ensured the fire was extinguished as quickly as possible and minimized fire spread. The fire was declared under control at 3:09 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Grass and wildland fire prevention
Residents can help reduce the risk of grass 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.
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, pumper tankers for water supply, and quads to access otherwise difficult-to-reach locations rapidly.
For more information visit: winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.