The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has responded to 286 fires related to homelessness in 2026. New data shows those were incidents where the responding officer believed homelessness may have been related to the incident. In total, there were 734 fires in 2024 and 580 in 2025. A city spokesperson said the numbers include encampment fires, some vacant building fires, outdoor fires and other related incidents. The WFPS does not specifically track fires at encampments. The WFPS added that an initial review of the fires showed approximately six per cent occurred within 25 metres of a riverbank. The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg have implemented plans to address homeless encampments, legislating where they can legally be set up, and working to find homes for unsheltered residents.
