Winnipeg grass fire grows to the size of 3 football fields: city
![Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (File image)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2018/4/26/winnipeg-fire-paramedic-service-1-3903522-1628775086298.jpg)
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a grass fire on Wednesday evening that grew to the size of three football fields.
The fire took place just after 7 p.m. near Day Street and Gunn Road.
When crews got to the scene, they found a ‘significant’ grass fire and opted to shut down rail traffic in the area out of precaution. The WFPS used drone technology, as well as wildland firefighting equipment to attack the flames.
The fire was declared under control by 8:05 p.m. No one was physically injured.
Wildland fire prevention
The WFPS is asking Winnipeggers to take steps to reduce the risk of wildland fires, adding that despite some recent rain, conditions in the city remain dry and windy.
According to the City of Winnipeg, wildfires are typically “wind-driven ground fires involving grass, brush and dead plant matter.” It notes these fires can spread quickly and cause extensive property damage.
In order to protect your property, the city suggests thinning and pruning vegetation; planting fire-resistant plants and shrubs; watering plants and vegetation around your home; storing firewood at least 10 metres away from structures; positioning fire pits in open areas; and cleaning up brush, leaves, grass and debris.
To help prevent wildfires, the city offers the following reminders:
- Fires cannot be started if wind speeds exceed 25 km/h;
- Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood. Do not burn yard waste, garbage or scrap materials;
- Only use approved outdoor fire receptacles;
- Always have some type of fire extinguisher readily available;
- Don’t dispose of cigarette butts in vegetation, planter pots or from car windows; and
- Speak to your children about the risks of starting fires.
In a typical year, the WFPS responds to about 200 wildfires. However, this number increases amid dry conditions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976871.1721873052!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
DEVELOPING Jasper updates: Wildfire reaches Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park has reached the townsite.
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.