Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service reminds residents to help prevent arson

Released: May 15, 2020 at 11:45 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) reminds residents to take steps to prevent fires in their yards and properties.

Each spring, the WFPS sees an increase in the number of fires, particularly those which are determined to be incendiary, or purposely set. Earlier this week, the WFPS responded to a number of outdoor fires that were deemed suspicious. In April and May 2019, there were 99 incendiary and suspicious fires.

“Outdoor fires often start in garbage bins or in bulk waste left outside, such as furniture or mattresses. These fires can grow very quickly spread to nearby homes or structures, putting lives at risk and causing significant property damage,” said Mark Reshaur , Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention and Public Education.

In an effort to reduce these types of fires, the WFPS operates its Community Fire Prevention Partnership (CFPP) with Local Business Improvement Zones and Take Pride Winnipeg to help identify and report properties at risk of arson in the community.

In addition, WFPS crews conduct neighbourhood fire prevention inspections throughout the spring and summer months to help identify potential fire hazards. If a property is found to have a fire risk, firefighters provide the property owner with an information pamphlet and instructions on how to reduce the identified fire risks.

Property owners can help prevent the risk of arson:

  • Only put your garbage and recycling carts and yard waste out on your collection day
  • Dispose of garbage, yard waste, lumber, and bulky waste (such as mattresses or couches) properly and promptly
  • Contact 311 to schedule a pickup of your bulky waste items or to report fire hazards
  • Keep all garbage, bulky waste, and firewood well away from your house or garage
  • Use motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your home or garage

Members of the public are also reminded to contact the Winnipeg Police Service’s non-emergency line if they notice someone entering a vacant structure.

For more fire prevention tips and resources, see: winnipeg.ca/fireprevention.

News

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.