With the unusually dry conditions this Spring, Winnipeg fire crews were kept busy for yet another day on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, putting out grass fires around the city.
Just before 8:00 am a grass fire broke out in the area of Waverley Street and Taylor Avenue. Although no injuries were reported investigators are looking into the cause of the fire that crews were able to contain quickly.
Around 5:45 pm a fire in a tree brought firefighters to Huddersfield Place. Fire officials say the fire was limited to the tree and they are also investigating how that fire started.
An hour later Laxdal Road near Grant Avenue was the focus for another crew as they battled a small grass fire.
Two other fires, one in a ditch on Balgona Road and one around Provencher Boulevard and Nadeau Street are also under investigation.
On Sunday a grass fire on property that runs parallel to the CN main line in Charleswood caused significant damage to a fence that was only metres from a retirement home. Crews spent several hours battling that blaze and several others along Wilkes Avenue.
Much of Southern Manitoba is under a fire ban due to the extremely dry weather conditions. In Winnipeg open-air burning has been banned until further notice. Officials say that fires are also not permitted is backyard fire pits or approved containers. You are still allowed to use a natural gas or propane-fueled BBQ.
“We would like to remind residents that the temporary open-air fire ban is still in effect, and urge residents not to start open-air fires unless using an outdoor natural gas appliance such as a barbecue,” said Tom Wallace, Deputy Chief of Support Services with WFPS. “Forecasted strong winds today increase the risk of wildland fires, as the wind can carry embers to different locations and create additional hotspots.”
So far in 2018 Winnipeg fire crews have responded to more than 55 grass fires. In 2017 the total for the entire year was 85.
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