The Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service are encouraging residents to take steps in reducing the risk of wildfires in their community with tomorrow May 4, 2019, being Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

According to a release by the WFPS, in Winnipeg, typically, wildfires are wind-driven ground fires involving grass, brush, and dead plant matter which can spread quickly.

In just last year alone, the WFPS responded to 201 grass, brush, and wildfires within city limits, many which damaged property and threatened structures.

Mark Reshaur, Assistant Chief with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said, "There are a number of measures property owners can take to mitigate the risk of wildfires. Proper landscaping and vegetation management are key, including thinning and pruning vegetation, removing trees and converting to fire-resistant plants, and general cleanup of brush, leaves, grass, and debris. Watering plants and vegetation in the area surrounding your home is also important, particularly in the first 10 meters around the home.”

Some tips the WFPS give are to store firewood at least 10 metres away from structures, and ensuring approved outdoor fire receptacles are in an open area away from overhanging vegetation. More information on approved outdoor fire receptacles can be found here. And never dispose of smoking materials in any sort of vegetation or from car windows. Butts should also never be put out in planter pots either.

For more information about protecting your home from wildfires, you can stop by a Fire Paramedic Station to obtain a Fire Smart Homeowners Manual, created by the Province of Manitoba.