Winnipeg, MB – At 2:26 p.m. on July 7, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a large grass and brush fire near the 3000 block of Saskatchewan Avenue. This fire was in close proximity to the area of Monday and Tuesday’s wildland fires.
Once again, WFPS crews used specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to attack the fires and protect the surrounding areas.
The fire has been declared under control. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by WFPS fire investigators with support from the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner’s wildland fire investigators.
Wildland and grass fire prevention
Conditions in and around Winnipeg are extremely dry and there is little precipitation in the current forecast. Residents must exercise caution to prevent wildland and grass fires. Burning yard waste, garbage, or scrap material is prohibited within city limits and can result in a fine. As well, fires cannot be started, even with a proper fire permit or within an approved pit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h.
It is also 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.
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.