May 9, 2018

Grass/brush fire update

Released: 10:20 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to a number of grass/brush fire incidents on Tuesday, May 8, including:

Waverley Street

At approximately 07:54, WFPS crews responded to a grass fire in the area of Waverley Street and Taylor Avenue. No injuries reported, and the cause is under investigation.

Huddersfield Place

At approximately 17:48, WFPS crews responded to a fire in a tree in the area of Huddersfield Place. No damage to structures, no evacuations required, no injuries reported, and the cause is under investigation.

Laxdal Road

At approximately 18:41, WFPS crews responded to a grass fire in the area of Laxdal Road and Grant Avenue. No damage to structures, no evacuations required, no injuries reported, and the cause is under investigation.

Balgona Road

At approximately 19:46, WFPS crews responded to a grass fire in a ditch in the 1300 block of Balgona Road. No damage to structures, no evacuations required, no injuries reported, and the cause is under investigation.

Provencher Boulevard

At approximately 23:01, WFPS crews responded to a fire in the area of Provencher Boulevard and Nadeau Street. No damage to structures, no evacuations required, no injuries reported, and the cause is under investigation.

Please note that all open-air fires are temporarily prohibited due to the extreme dry weather conditions in the Winnipeg area which increases the risk of dangerous fires, such as grass, brush, and wildfires. The ban will be lifted when environmental conditions improve.

From January 1 to May 8, 2018, WFPS have responded to 55 grass/brush fires. In 2017, WFPS responded to a total of 85 grass/brush fires for the year.

“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.”

WFPS and WPS encourage all residents to be safe and also active in reporting suspicious or irresponsible behaviour by phoning 911. Do not approach active fire incidents – it is dangerous to do so, and you put yourself at great risk as conditions can rapidly change.

Winnipeg’s Spring Curbside Giveaway Weekend just around the corner, May 12 and 13

Released: 11:10 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – Are you doing some spring cleaning and have some items in good condition that you’ll never use again? Residents are invited to take advantage of this year’s spring giveaway weekend on May 12 and 13, 2018. This is a great opportunity to find a new owner for those reusable, unwanted items taking up space in your home or to browse the curbs for some great finds.

Tips if you are giving away items

Place unwanted household items at the curb on your front street.

Label each item with a FREE sticker or sign.

Store items out of sight that you don't want to give away.

Remove leftover items from the curb by dusk on Sunday.

Examples of giveaway items include:

books, CDs and DVDs

furniture, electronics and small appliances

sports equipment and toys

yard and gardening tools and equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, snow blowers, rakes, shovels)

kitchen gadgets, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans

unwanted gifts

construction material (e.g., nails, paint, wood)

clothing

Please do not put out:

items that could be unsafe

items infested with bed bugs (e.g., mattresses, furniture, bedding)

toilets (with a flush volume of 13 litres or more)

Tips if you are cruising the curbs looking for treasures

Take only the items at the curb marked "FREE".

Check all items closely to ensure they are safe and in good condition before you put them in your vehicle or bring them into your home.

Don't walk or drive on private lawns or gardens.

Don't discard any items on private property.

Obey the traffic laws at all times (e.g., don't block traffic, park illegally or block driveways with your vehicle).

Watch out for children.

More information

For more information on the giveaway weekend, including what to do with leftover items:

visit winnipeg.ca/giveawayweekend

contact 311

download the Recycle Coach app

For information on items that aren’t safe to give away (e.g., baby walkers, lawn darts) visit the Consumer Product Safety Bureau.