Winnipeg, MB – Earlier today, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to fires on Gunn Road, Balaban Place Rue des Trappistes and Vimy Road.
Gunn Road Fire
At 2:02 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a grassfire in the 600 block of Gunn Road.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found a grassfire moving towards commercial/industrial structures. Firefighters quickly evacuated nearby businesses and launched a fire attack using specialized wildland firefighting equipment.
With extremely dry conditions and high wind speeds, the fire moved rapidly and spread to several buildings in its path. Crews worked to extinguish the structure fires and contain the fire from spreading further. The WFPS drone was launched and the images were used to direct crews to hotspots. The fire was declared under control at 5:01 p.m.
Work is ongoing to survey the scene and assess damages. It is not known yet how many structures were lost.
Springfield Fire Rescue assisted in the firefight as the fire was on the border between the two municipalities.
The extreme temperatures created challenging conditions for firefighters. Crews were rotated in and out of operations to provide them with time to rest and hydrate. Two firefighters were assessed by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
More than 30 WFPS apparatus were sent to the scene throughout the afternoon and into this evening. Crews remain on scene putting out hotspots.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Balaban Place fire
At 4:33 p.m. on May 12, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a grass fire in the rear of Balaban Place.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found a grass fire spreading over several acres. Crews used specialized wildland fire equipment to attack the fire. Crews remain on scene at this time ensuring all hotspots are extinguished.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Rue des Trappistes fire
At 5:29 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire near Rue des Trappistes and Pembina Highway.
Upon arrival on scene, crews launched a fire attack and quickly brought the fire under control.
No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.
Vimy Road fire
At 11:47 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 600 block of Vimy Road.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the house. They launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 12:09 p.m.
All occupants of the house self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Two individuals were assessed by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking. Damage estimates are not available.
Fire Ban
Last week, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) issued a fire ban for the city of Winnipeg, effective 6 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, until 6 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025.
With very hot, dry and windy conditions forecast over the next few days, it’s important that residents abide by the ban and take precautions to prevent fires.
This ban prohibits all residents from engaging in the following activities, even if a permit has previously been issued:
- Open fires
- Backyard fire pits
- Fireworks
- Fire pits in City parks
- Use of solid fuel-burning appliances, including charcoal and wood-burning barbecues.
Existing permits are suspended, and no new permits will be issued for the duration of the fire ban. Violations of this ban are subject to a $500 fine under the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law.
The use of backyard barbecues, fire tables and household smokers fueled by propane or natural gas, is permitted, as they are contained and do not emit sparks or embers. Smokers and barbecues that use pellets are allowed and should be used with caution. Enclosed smokers and electric smokers are allowed unless they emit sparks and embers. Be careful when you dispose of the residue from a smoker.
Residents are also asked to be cautious when smoking cigarettes or other smoking products. Butts must be disposed of safely to prevent fires.
- Extinguish smoking materials in a deep and wide metal ashtray filled partway with sand or water.
- If you put butts in the garbage, douse them with water first.
- Never use a planter pot as an ashtray because potting soil is a mix of dirt and organic materials that can catch on fire. If you put your butt out in a planter, it can smoulder for several hours, heat up and crack the planter. This adds oxygen to the smouldering butt and can lead to a fire that can quickly spread to a building hours after the butt was first put in the planter
- To avoid a grass fire, never throw butts out a car window and never extinguish smoking materials on the ground.
Residents should call 9-1-1 if they see a fire. To report restricted activities during a fire ban, residents are asked to contact 311.
More information is available at winnipeg.ca/firebans.