Winnipeg taking proactive steps to battle arson, suspicious fires

The City of Winnipeg announced Friday that it will be taking proactive steps to fight the risk of suspicious fires and arson.

The City announced that this will be done through coordinated prevention, enforcement, and investigations between the WPS, WFPS, Problem Property Committee and Arson Prevention Group, and other City of Winnipeg departments.

“Over the past several years, we’ve implemented a number of initiatives aimed at stronger enforcement, strengthened investigations, and more robust securement standards for vacant properties to stop arson before it happens,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham in a statement.

“The Problem Property Committee and Arson Prevention Group are targeting problem properties, reducing fire risks, and arresting arsonists.”

The coordinated group will focus on high-impact measures to prevent arson, including:

• Inspecting vacant buildings: Licensing & Bylaw Enforcement conducted 9,616 inspections to enforce safety standards and ensure vacant buildings remain secure in the first three quarters of 2025
• Securing vacant buildings: 378 properties were boarded under stricter requirements throughout the first three quarters of 2025
• Clearing illegal dumping & debris: 372 tonnes were collected as part of arson sweeps in the first three quarters of 2025
• Investigating arsons: In the first three quarters of 2025, the WPS Major Crimes Unit conducted 177 arson investigations

“We know increased collaboration between all partners makes our community safer. By preventing arson, we strengthen our community, significantly reducing the number of residents impacted by potentially devastating fires. This not only addresses safety concerns but also alleviates pressure on our department and responders,” said Christian Schmidt, Fire and Paramedic Chief, WFPS.

The City says that WFPS Fire investigators work with WPS Major Crimes investigators during suspicious fires, which may lead to arrests and arson charges.

“Everyone has a role to play in combatting arson,” said Inspector Jennifer McKinnon, the commander in charge of the WPS Major Crimes Division.

“While the Winnipeg Police Service concentrates on investigations and holding people to account, we recognize that we are stronger with the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. Our investigators, crime analysts, General Patrol and Community Support Unit officers play a crucial role, but we rely on strong partnerships with WFPS, bylaw enforcement, and other City departments, as well as the community to keep our neighbourhoods safe. Only by working together will we see positive change.”

The move comes as several restaurants went up in flames over the past four months.

Winnipeg police say the fires are not all related but did issue a warning to owners.

“If you are being extorted, by anybody. Report it to the Winnipeg Police Service. Do not wait until your business is burnt down,” explained McKinnon.

She didn’t go into more detail to protect the investigations, and the Manitoba Restaurant Association expressed its support for WPS. But they do say businesses are under additional stress.

“We’re not security experts. We’re not fire marshals. We’re not security guards. We are restaurateurs, so we really need to be provided the tools to keep our business, our patrons, our staff safe,” said Shaun Jeffrey, the ceo of Manitoba Restaurant and Food Services Association.

He wants to see further collaboration with police and all levels of government, as the province lags behind in restaurant industry growth. Jeffrey says crimes like these have played a role in that.

“It absolutely is a deterrent,” said Jeffery.

Most fires are at abandoned properties. There were four more overnight. Mayor Gillingham says the city has secured hundreds of these buildings, but he’s asking for the public’s help.

Winnipeggers can also help in the battle against arson by doing the following:

• Calling 9-1-1 if you see somebody tampering with security boards or entering a vacant property
• Contacting 311 if you notice that boarded windows and doors have been breached but you don’t see anyone trying to enter a vacant building
• Contacting 311 to report illegal dumping or garbage accumulation

Additionally, if anyone has any information regarding suspicious activities that could result in arson, contact the WPS non-emergency line at 204-986-6222 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

-With files from Stef Lasuik