Emergency crews continue to battle what was a massive blaze in north Transcona on Monday evening, but officials say the fire is now considered contained.
The City of Winnipeg says a grass fire broke out around 2 p.m. in the 600 block of Gunn Road.
Scott Wilkinson, Deputy Chief, Fire Rescue Operations & Training for the WFPS, says that the fire did spread to some structures on the south side of Gunn Road as well as "car storage." Wilkinson says some of the structures have been lost and some businesses suffered "significant damage."
The fire took place in a large industrial area, and there is an auto wrecker nearby. One witness told us he could see the fire spread to the auto wreckers and heard a series of "loud pops" as the fire burned.
Wilkinson says the call came in just after 2 p.m. on Monday, and the report was for a wildland fire. "Due to wind conditions, as we were coming out, it spread to the structures." He says that due to conditions, firefighters initially couldn't get access to the buildings.
"We were supported by crews from the R.M. of Springfield Fire and Rescue Service, as they had attended, because the Gunn Rd. is on the border of the R.M. of Springfield."
There were no injuries in relation to the fire.
While crews evacuated several commercial properties, residents were not asked to evacuate their homes. Residents in the area are encouraged to stay inside.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is on scene at a large grass fire in the 600 block of Gunn Road. Residents should avoid the area.
— City of Winnipeg (@cityofwinnipeg) May 12, 2025
Winnipeg police have shut down Gunn Road between Plesis and Redonda as a result.
TRAFFIC ALERT:
— Winnipeg TMC (@WinnipegTMC) May 12, 2025
GUNN RD CLOSURE
Due to a fire, WFPS have closed Gunn Rd between Plessis & Redonda to traffic. Please use alternate routes & avoid the area.#WpgTMC #Winnipeg #Wpgtraffic
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and find another route.
Fire ban in effect for Winnipeg
"With very hot, dry and windy conditions forecast over the next few days, it’s important that residents abide by the ban and take precautions to prevent fires," said the WFPS in a press release.
The ban prohibits Winnipeggers from having open fires, using backyard fire pits, fireworks, fire pits in city parks and fuel-burning appliances, including charcoal and wood-burning barbecues.
Violations of the ban are subject to a $500 fine.
The ban will remain in place until at least Monday, May 19, at 6 p.m.