Winnipeg firefighters respond to 3 fires, urge caution against wildland fires

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three fires in the last 24 hours.

Agnes Street fire

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 1:25 p.m. Friday, in a duplex on the 400 block of Agnes Street. When crews arrived, they found the fire in one of the suites.

All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Firefighters located a cat in one of the suites and brought the animal to safety.

No injuries were reported.

Henry Avenue fire

WPFS also responded to a structure fire in a commercial building in the 1000 block of Henry Avenue.

Firefighters were alerted to the first fire at 2:36 a.m. Friday. Upon their arrival, crews saw smoke and flames coming from the building.

Crews deployed a drone to monitor the fire which was brought under control at 5:08 a.m.

No one was injured.

Lagimodiere grass fire

WFPS crews were called at 7:47 p.m. Thursday about a grass fire near Lagimodiere Boulevard and Dugald Road.

When crews arrived, they saw a fire covering an area of about 400 square metres.

Firefighters deployed a wildland fire response, using specialized vehicles and training to extinguish the fire and protect neighbouring property.

Firefighters used specialized vehicles known as WFPS Bisons, which can travel on uneven terrain and spray water at the same time.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 8:48 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

All fires are currently under investigation and damage estimates were not available.

Caution advised

WPFS is warning that the risk of grass and wildland fires increase in the spring. Residents can protect their homes and the community by considering safety.

Do not dispose of cigarette butts in any sort of vegetation (including grass), in planter pots, or throw them from vehicle windows.

You can protect your yard and home from wildland and grass fires:

• Thin and prune vegetation and clean up brush, leaves, grass and debris around your home.
• Plant fire-resistant plants and shrubs. Avoid combustible plants and trees that accumulate dry dead materials or have papery bark (like cedar or pine).
• Water plants and vegetation around your home, especially during dry conditions.
• Store firewood at least 10 meters away from your home, fence, and other structures.
• It’s prohibited to burn yard waste, garbage, or scrap material within city limits.

Fire pit safety

• Position your approved fire pits/receptacles in an open area away from overhanging trees, power lines, and 10 feet away from anything that can catch fire.
• Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood in your approved residential fire pit.
• Always have a way to extinguish the fire readily available.
• Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor.
• You cannot use a fire pit or have an open-air fire, even with a permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h.