Tips for reducing arson and accidental fires

Every spring, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service sees a spike in arson and accidental fires

A charred fence
Items that are flammable and left outside are easily targeted by arsonists. Keep these items away from your home, garage, and fence.

Every spring, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service sees an increase in the number of accidental fires, and arson.

Arson prevention tips

Items that are flammable and left outside are easily targeted by arsonists. This includes garbage, furniture, mattresses, yard waste, firewood, and flammable liquids, according to Lisa Gilmour, Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

“Keep these items away from your home, garage, and fence,” Gilmour said. “If you have old furniture or large (bulky waste) items to get rid of, you can request to have it picked up by the City, for a fee, online or by contacting 311.”

Residents can also reduce fire hazards and prevent arson by:

  • Only putting garbage and recycling carts, and yard waste, out on your collection day
  • Storing flammable material in a safe, secure place
  • Keeping shrubs and trees healthy, trimmed and watered
  • Using motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your home or garage
  • Reporting fire hazards, including abandoned large (bulky waste) items, by contacting 311
A charred chair
Avoid being a target of arson. If you have old furniture or large (bulky waste) items to get rid of, you can request to have it picked up by the City, for a fee, online or by contacting 311.

Accidental fire prevention tips

WFPS also sees an increase in accidental fires in the spring and summer. Residents can reduce the risk of accidental fires by following these tips:

  • Don’t extinguish cigars or cigarettes in potted plants. Potting soil and peat moss can be flammable
  • Be alert to any smoke or unusual odours
  • Only use fire pits and other fire receptacles approved by the City's Neighbourhood Liveability By-Law
  • Never leave an open fire unattended
  • Do not use fire pits if wind speeds are higher than 25 km/h

It’s also important to be prepared in case of a fire, said Doug Sinclair, WFPS Public Education Coordinator.

“Make sure you have smoke alarms installed on every floor of your home, and test them every month to make sure they’re working,” Sinclair added.

To test your smoke alarm, press the button in the middle. If it beeps, the alarm is working. If it doesn’t beep, it’s time to change the batteries or get a new alarm.

“Residents should also create and practice a home escape plan and regularly review it with their families,” said Sinclair.

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