Winnipeg, MB – On the evening of Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two grass fires and a structure fire.
McPhillips Street grass fire
At 8:08 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire in the 300 block of McPhillips Street. At the scene, they found a grass fire.
Firefighters used specialized equipment including the WFPS Bison to put out the fire. The fire was under control by 8:55 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Dakota Street grass fire
At 8:29 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire in the green space behind Dakota Community Centre in the 1100 block of Dakota Street.
At the scene, crews found a grass fire that was about the size of four football fields and was threatening nearby structures. Using specialized wildland firefighting equipment including the WFPS Bison and a water tanker, firefighters brought the fire under control at 9:57 p.m.
No injuries were reported.
Main Street fire
At 9:46 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a commercial building in the 700 block of Main Street.
At the scene, firefighters saw heavy flames and smoke coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from the outside as it was unsafe to enter. Firefighters switched to an offensive attack once conditions improved, and crews declared the fire under control at 10:18 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Grass and wildland fire prevention
You 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. Last year, WFPS responded to more than 300 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 plants and trees that accumulate dry, dead material, or have papery bark.
- Water plants and vegetation in the area around your home, particularly during dry conditions.
- Store firewood at least 10 metres away from structures like buildings or fences.
- Position your approved fire pits/receptacles in an open area away from overhanging trees.
Preventing wildland and grass fires:
- You cannot have an open-air fire in fire pit, even with a 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. This is prohibited and can result in a fine.
- Only use approved outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor barbecues.
- Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor.
- Always have a way 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 and ATVs to access otherwise difficult-to-reach locations rapidly.
For more information visit: winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.