Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a number of grass and brush fires yesterday, May 31, 2019.
Midland Street
At 3:29 p.m. crews responded to a small grass fire near Midland Street. There were no injuries reported and there was no damage to any structures.
Dalhousie Drive
At 4:25 p.m. crews responded to a grass and brush fire in the rear of Dalhousie School. The fire was approximately 90 metres by 28 metres in size. It was declared under control at 5:08 p.m. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to any structures.
Nairn Avenue & Watt Street
At 5:16 p.m. crews responded to a small grass fire in an area near Nairn Avenue and Watt Street. There were no injuries reported and there was no damage to any structures.
Highland Creek Road
At 7:03 p.m. crews responded to a large grass and brush fire, stretching nearly 50 metres in the rear of homes on Highland Creek Road. Using specialized wildland-urban interface equipment and the WFPS drone, crews were able to attack the fire, while protecting nearby homes and structures. There were no injuries reported and there was no damage to any structures.
Residents are reminded of the importance of preventing grass and brush fires. When winds speeds exceed 25 kilometers per hour all open-air fires, including those in approved fire pits, are prohibited. Even if a resident has obtained a burning permit, fires are not permitted under these conditions.
It is important that residents never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of vegetation or from their car window. Butts should also never be put out in planter pots. A proper receptacle, or a bucket with sand or water must be used to ensure complete extinguishment.
The City 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 City’s Neighbourhood Liveability By-law.