A train spark triggered a serious vegetation fire at Symington Yards in Winnipeg on Saturday morning, town says.
At 7:30 a.m. firefighters found a big grass and brush fire, roughly one kilometer in length.
Town says crews tackled the fireplace using specialized equipment, including the WFPS Bison. Crews applied water to the fireplace while stopping the flames from extending to railcars and structures at the location.
The hearth was under control by 8:51 a.m. and no injuries were reported.
Town says the fireplace is believed to have been began by a moving train with a faulty spark arrestor.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is urging Winnipeggers to take steps to stop grass fires as conditions are expected to be hot, dry and windy over the approaching days.
Some helpful prevention suggestions offered by the WFPS include:
- Don’t eliminate cigarette butts in any kind of vegetation (including grass), in planter pots, or from vehicle windows.
- Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood. Don’t burn yard waste, garbage, or scrap material in your property. Doing so inside City limits is prohibited and may end up in a high quality.
- Only use approved outdoor fire receptacles similar to fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor BBQs. Fire pits have to be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor.
- At all times have the means to extinguish the fireplace available.
- Remember – fires can’t be began, even with a correct fire permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h.
More information regarding prevention will be found on town of Winnipeg’s website.
