04/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 09:07
Winnipeg, MB - At 1:01 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a vegetation fire in area of the Transcona Bioreserve Loop.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found a significant grass and brush fire, covering an area the size of a football field. The WFPS drone was launched and the images were used to direct crews to hotspots. Specialized wildland firefighting equipment was used to fight the fire.
The fire was declared under control at 1:59 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Grass and wildland fire prevention
With dry and windy spring conditions, the WFPS is asking residents to take steps to reduce the risk of grass and wildland fires in our community.
Wildfires in Winnipeg are typically wind-driven ground fires involving grass, brush, and dead plant matter. In a typical year, WFPS responds to approximately 200 of these types of fires within city limits. This number increases when conditions are drier than normal. These fires often spread quickly and can threaten property, or in some cases, cause extensive damage to properties.
"Until it greens up or we get some significant rain, there is an increased risk for grass and wildland fires, particularly when we have high winds," said Scott Wilkinson, Deputy Chief, Fire Rescue Operations and Training. "Almost all wildland fires are a result of human activity. We are asking residents to be cautious and take steps to prevent these fires. It's also important for property owners near wildland areas to properly maintain their yards to reduce their risks."
Protecting your property:
Preventing wildland and grass fires
In recent years, the WFPS acquired specialized equipment to combat wildfires, including the WFPS Bison, compressed air-foam snuffers, pumper tankers for water supply, and quads to access otherwise difficult to reach locations rapidly.
For more information visit: winnipeg.ca/wildlandfires.
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