Winnipeg, MB – At 7:23 p.m. on June 6, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a large wildland fire south of Wilkes Avenue and west of Liberty Street. It was estimated to cover an area of approximately 30 acres. With wind speeds gusting to over 45km/h, the fire was at serious risk of further spread.
Crews used specialized wildland-urban interface equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to attack the fire and protect the surrounding areas and properties, including 10 homes to the west of the fire. The WFPS drone played in invaluable role in the firefighting efforts, providing aerial views of the area and detecting hot spots.
WFPS water tankers were used to shuttle water to the scene, as the fire was outside the City of Winnipeg water district.
The WFPS would like to thank the residents in the area for their co-operation and in particular, one resident who used their Bobcat to cut a fire break in the brush to stop the fire from spreading towards the nearby properties.
The fire was declared under control at 10:15 p.m. Crews will remain on scene for the next several hours ensuring all hotspots are extinguished.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time. No injuries were reported.
Wildland fire prevention
Despite some recent rain, conditions within Winnipeg are still 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.
It is also important that residents never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of grass or 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.
More information can be found at www.winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.