Winnipeg to start controlled burns this week

A controlled burn at Living Prairie Museum in an undated photo. Uploaded April 15, 2025. (City of Winnipeg)

The City of Winnipeg is starting controlled burns in natural areas this week.

The city said burns will be happening until June 14, depending on the weather and wind conditions.

“Fire plays an important role in the preservation and restoration of prairies. Lack of fire allows weeds to invade these endangered plant communities,” the city said in a news release.

On the city’s website, it notes wildfires bring nutrients back to the soil and new growth follows. Controlled burns do the same thing while also “reducing encroachment by woody species and help to control invasive non-native species.”

Controlled burns have been happening in Winnipeg since 1986.