Winnipeg, MB – Since yesterday, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has responded to several significant incidents.
Bentall Street hazardous materials incident
At 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, WFPS responded to a fire and a hazardous materials incident in a commercial building in the 0-100 block of Bentall Street.
At the scene, firefighters found a fire and extinguished it. At the same time, crews found two barrels of corrosive liquid that were leaking. They immediately left the building and called for the hazardous materials (HazMat) response team.
The HazMat team identified the substance and prepared to remove it from the building. Firefighters evacuated a nearby building and a strip mall as a precaution. The HazMat team used an absorbent mixture to contain the spill, and they put it in barrels to remove it from the building. All the buildings were safe for re-entry by 10 p.m.
The incident is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Cree Crescent grass fire
At 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire in the 300 block of Cree Crescent.
At the scene, crews found a grass fire. There were homes nearby in the path of the fire.
Firefighters used specialized wildland firefighting equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to fight the fire. Crews declared the fire under control by 8 p.m. No buildings or homes were affected.
The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Toronto Street fire
At 6:44 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a structure fire in the 600 block of Toronto Street.
At the scene, crews saw heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters used a defensive fire attack because it was unsafe to enter. As conditions changed, firefighters switched between defensive and offensive attacks. Crews declared the fire under control at 10:04 a.m.
Firefighters searched the house to ensure there was no one inside. No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Pritchard Avenue fire
At 12:21 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant house in the 700 block of Pritchard Avenue.
When crews arrived, they saw smoke coming from the house. Firefighters used an offensive interior attack, declaring the fire under control at 12:48 p.m.
Crews searched the building to ensure there was no one inside. No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Roseberry Street fire
At 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a bungalow in the 200 block of Roseberry Street.
At the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire, declaring it under control at 2:49 p.m.
Paramedics assessed four patients, transporting one patient to hospital in stable condition.
The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.
Grass and wildland fire prevention
You can help reduce the risk of grass fires in our community.
Wildfires in Winnipeg are typically wind-driven ground fires involving grass, brush, and dead plant matter. Last year, WFPS responded to more than 300 of these types of fires within city limits. This number increases when conditions are drier than normal.
These fires often spread quickly and can threaten property, or in some cases, cause extensive damage to properties.
Protecting your property:
- Thin and prune vegetation, removing trees and cleaning up brush, leaves, grass and debris.
- Plant fire-resistant plants and shrubs. Avoid plants and trees that accumulate dry, dead material, or have papery bark.
- Water plants and vegetation in the area around your home, particularly during dry conditions.
- Store firewood at least 10 metres away from structures like buildings or fences.
- Position your approved fire pits/receptacles in an open area away from overhanging trees.
Preventing wildland and grass fires:
- You cannot have an open-air fire in fire pit, even with a fire permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h.
- Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood. Do not burn yard waste, garbage, or scrap material on your property. This is prohibited and can result in a fine.
- Only use approved outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor barbecues.
- Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor.
- Always have a way to extinguish the fire readily available.
- Do not dispose of cigarette butts in any sort of vegetation (including grass), in planter pots, or from vehicle windows
- Speak to your children about the risks of starting fires
In recent years, the WFPS acquired specialized equipment to combat wildfires, including the WFPS Bison and ATVs to access otherwise difficult-to-reach locations rapidly.
For more information visit: winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.
Vacant Buildings
Call 9-1-1 if you see someone actively entering a vacant building or removing boards from a building’s windows or doors.
If you notice boarded windows or doors that have been breached, but you do not see someone actively entering or trying to enter the building, report the incident to 311 by phone or online.