Winnipeg, MB – On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a structure fire and a grass fire.
Chudley Street fire
At 10:44 a.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey townhouse in the 0-100 block of Chudley Street.
At the scene, firefighters saw smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire, declaring it under control at 11:27 a.m.
Everyone got out of the house before crews arrived. Paramedics transported one patient to the hospital in unstable condition.
The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Wabasha Street grass fire
At 2:18 p.m., WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire near the 1800 block of Wabasha Street.
Firefighters used specialized wildland firefighting equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to fight the fire. No buildings were affected. Crews declared the fire under control by 3:44 p.m.
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.