Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a significant grass fire and a house fire in the early hours of May 9, 2021.
William Avenue Fire
At 12:10 a.m. on May 9, 2021, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey, multi-family house in the 500 block of William Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene, they found smoke in the house and launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 12:31 a.m.
Occupants of the structure all self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no damage estimates are currently available.
St. Boniface Grass Fire
At 12:58 a.m. on May 9, 2021, WFPS crews responded to a large grass fire in Lagimodière-Gaboury Park in St. Boniface.
Crews used specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to attack the fire and protect the surrounding areas and properties.
The fire was under control at 1:55 a.m. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Wildland fire prevention
Conditions within Winnipeg are dry and the WFPS is urging Winnipeggers to take steps to prevent grass and brush fires.
Residents are reminded that burning yard waste, garbage, or scrap material is prohibited within city limits. As well, fires cannot be started, even with a proper fire permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h. This includes fires within an approved fire pit. Windy conditions are forecast in Winnipeg today, so its likely all fires will be prohibited.
It is also important that residents never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of vegetation or from vehicle windows, and butts should also never be put out in planter pots.
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 BBQs. The rules regarding fires within approved outdoor fire receptacles are set out in part 6 of the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law.
More information can be found at www.winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.