Blaze scorches nearly a football field of Assiniboine Forest

Crews were called to contain a wildland fire in Assiniboine Forest on Thursday.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service contained a wildland fire in Assiniboine Forest on Thursday evening after the blaze grew to nearly the size of a football field.

Firefighters were dispatched to the forest at 7:31 p.m. after reports of a fire in the area. Crews deployed specialized wildland firefighting equipment and declared the fire that was “nearing the size of a football field” under control less than an hour later, the city notes.

No injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation, but the city says authorities believe the fire was human-caused.

The incident comes as the WFPS is monitoring elevated wildfire risk across the city, driven by dry conditions and strong winds. Wildfires in Winnipeg typically spread as wind-driven ground fires fuelled by grass, brush, and dead vegetation and can move fast enough to threaten nearby property, according to the city.

The service is reminding residents that open-air fires — including backyard fire pits — are prohibited when wind speeds or gusts exceed 25 km/h, with or without a permit.

Residents are also urged not to discard cigarette butts in vegetation or from vehicles, to teach children about fire dangers, and to call 9-1-1 immediately if they spot a fire.