Winnipeg, MB – It is the responsibility of all residents to help prevent wildland fires. These types of fires can spread very quickly and pose extreme dangers. They also require a large amount of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) resources. Today, WFPS apparatus were rotated in and out all day to fight a number of significant wildland fires which threatened homes and property.
Once again, WFPS reminds residents it is absolutely imperative they exercise extreme caution when doing any sort of burning. When wind 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.
Residents should not dispose of smokers’ materials on the ground near any sort of vegetation. Butts should also never be thrown from a vehicle window.
Murdock Road fire
At approximately 11:22 a.m. on June 1, 2019, WFPS crews responded to reports of a large wildland fire in the vicinity of Murdock Road. Once on scene, crews encountered a significant fire – over one acre in size – which was spreading quickly in the wind. Using specialized wildland-urban interface equipment and the WFPS drone, crews attacked the fire while employing measures to protect nearby homes and structures.
Crews evacuated two homes as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
A number of crews remain on scene and are expected to do so throughout the night to ensure hotspots are extinguished and neighbouring properties are protected.
Charleswood fire
At approximately 4:33 p.m., WFPS crews responded to another wildland fire, this time in the Assiniboine Forest in the rear of Pacific Junction School. Once on scene, crews worked to protect a number of homes threatened by the fire. Wind conditions allowed the fire to spread rapidly.
A number of homes on Woodchester Bay, Woodfield Bay, and Woodview Bay, as well as a nearby business, were evacuated as a precaution. They were cleared to return to their homes at approximately 8:20 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the night in order maintain the protection of nearby homes.
This fire is believed to have started in the interior of the Assiniboine Forest area and burned outwards towards homes and rail tracks. Rail traffic is not believed to be a factor in the cause of the fire.