Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews did not respond to any grass/brush fire incidents on Wednesday, May 9, or overnight on Thursday, May 10.
WFPS would like to remind all residents that open-air fires are temporarily prohibited due to the extreme dry weather conditions in the Winnipeg area which increases the risk of dangerous fires, such as grass, brush, and wildfires. The ban will be lifted when environmental conditions improve.
WFPS is encouraging residents to take steps to reduce the risk of grass/brush fires in our community, and will be engaging with property owners and delivering information pamphlets with tips on how they can mitigate the risk of grass/brush fires between calls.
Residents can reduce the risk of grass/brush fires by:
- Keeping shrubs and trees near buildings trimmed and watered.
- Storing flammable material safely.
- Disposing of leaves, lumber and yard waste properly and promptly.
- Ensuring that shrubs and flower beds are regularly cleared of dead plant matter.
- Not extinguishing cigars or cigarettes in potted plants, as potting soil and peat moss can be flammable.
- Keep firewood stored away from the house or garage.
“If you live close to wildland areas, we recommend that you keep a 10-meter buffer zone around your house,” said Tom Wallace, Deputy Chief of Support Services with WFPS. “Vegetation management, including thinning and pruning plants and trees, as well as general cleanup of brush, leaves, grass and debris can help mitigate the risk of grass and brush fires.”
From January 1 to May 9, 2018, WFPS have responded to 55 grass/brush fires. In 2017, WFPS responded to a total of 85 grass/brush fires for the year.
WFPS and WPS encourage all residents to be safe and also active in reporting suspicious or irresponsible behaviour by phoning 911. Do not approach active fire incidents – it is dangerous to do so, and you put yourself at great risk as conditions can rapidly change.