Winnipeg, MB – At 1:35 p.m. on May 30 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports of a grass and brush fire near the area of Municipal Road and Rannock Avenue. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a large fire, roughly 45 metres in diameter. Using specialized wildland-urban interface equipment and the WFPS drone, crews were able to attack the fire, while protecting nearby homes and structures. The fire was declared under control at 3:04 p.m.
No injuries were reported. While the cause of the fire is not known at this time, it is not believed to be from rail traffic as the fire’s point of origin was a considerable distance from the closest track.
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 Part 6 of the 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.