Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service battled its second significant wildland fire today. At 7:36 p.m. crews responded to reports of a grass and brush fire in the rear of the 800 block of Allegheny Drive. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a large fire, roughly 20 metres by 200 metres in size. Using specialized wildland-urban interface equipment and the WFPS drone, crews were able to attack the fire, while protecting a nearby school, homes, and other structures. No injuries were reported.
To help prevent these types of fires residents are reminded to exercise an abundance of caution, particularly when weather is dry. To protect homes from grass and brush fires, proper landscaping and vegetation management are important. 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. The City also has a set of guidelines regarding outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fire places, and outdoor BBQs. The rules regarding fires within approved outdoor fire receptacles are set out in Neighbourhood Liveability By-law.
It is 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.