Winnipeg, MB – At 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports of a fire near the area of Fermor Avenue and Plessis Road. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a fire involving railway debris and adjacent grass, extending several hundred metres. Using specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the new WFPS Bisons, crews were able to attack the fire, while protecting nearby businesses and structures. Crews had the fire under control shortly before 9 p.m.
No injuries were reported. The fire is believed to have been sparked by a passing train.
To protect businesses and homes from grass and brush fires, proper landscaping and vegetation management are important, particularly when conditions are dry. 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 barbecues. The rules regarding fires within approved outdoor fire receptacles are set out in the City of Winnipeg - Neighbourhood Liveability By-law 1/2008, part 6.
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.