Firefighters urging Winnipeggers to prevent fires after overnight grass fire

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is urging Winnipeggers to take caution and measures to prevent wildfires after responding to an overnight grass fire along Sutherland Avenue.

WFPS says received a call just before 3 a.m. of a grass fire. When crews arrived, they found a “significant” fire next to a rail line.

With assistance from a drone with thermal imaging, fire crews were able to quickly find hotspots and extinguish the fire.

At this time it is believed the fire may have been started by a passing train.

Due to this, WPFS is urging Winnipeggers to take steps to prevent grass and brush fires as the city is expected to see hot and dry days over the coming days.

At this time, it’s likely all fires will be prohibited over the weekend.

The city is also expecting to see high wind speeds. WFPS says if this is the case, once winds exceed 25 km/h, no fires are allowed to be started, even with a proper fire permit.

Other tips provided by firefighters to help prevent wildfires includes:

• Do not dispose of cigarette butts in any sort of vegetation (including grass), in planter pots, or from vehicle windows.
• Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood. Do not burn yard waste, garbage, or scrap material on your property. Doing so within City limits is prohibited and can result in a fine.
• Only use approved outdoor fire receptacles such as fire pits, fire places and outdoor BBQs. Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor.
• Always have a means to extinguish the fire readily available.