Fire officials in the RM of Woodlands are urging residents to take precautions as dry spring conditions begin to resemble those that led to one of the region’s largest grass fires in recent memory.
Kristy Hill, public education officer with the Woodlands Fire Department, said weather reports from provincial and federal sources are showing conditions similar to last spring.
“Provincial and federal weather sources are reporting conditions similar to last spring, which means dry conditions,” Hill said.
The warning comes roughly a year after a massive grass fire scorched more than 10,000 acres of farmland in the RM of Woodlands and neighbouring areas, drawing a major response from multiple fire departments.
The 2025 fire took more than 24 hours to bring under control, with crews continuing to monitor the area for nearly a week.
Hill said the fire served as a major learning experience for many firefighters.
“Last year was the first time a lot of our newer members had seen a large-scale grass fire, so there was lots of opportunity for those members to learn proper tactics and safety, and to get a true sense of how quickly something like that can get out of control,” she said.
The event also reinforced the importance of regional co-operation.
“It was a good reminder of how important our relationship with our neighbours is. Without the help of Portage la Prairie, St. Laurent and Rosser, that fire might have been quite a bit larger and some residents might have experienced property damage,” Hill said.
In the aftermath of last year’s fire season, the department has expanded its focus on prevention and public awareness.
Hill said officials are producing more educational materials than ever before and working to address confusion around local bylaws, burning restrictions and resident responsibilities.
One of the most common causes of grass fires, she said, is re-ignition from fires residents believe are already extinguished.
Hill explained that fires from weeks or even months earlier can continue smouldering below the surface, only to flare up again when wind conditions change.
Another frequent cause is unattended burning of garbage or debris.
Residents are being reminded to keep the area around any fire clear of long grass, debris and combustible materials, and to never leave flames unattended.
Hill said one of the biggest misconceptions is how easy people think grass fires are to control.
“A little bit of wind can make a fire move very rapidly,” she said, noting that a fire can travel hundreds of feet in the time it takes someone to walk to a garage and return with tools.
For that reason, she recommends having water, a rake or other firefighting tools immediately on hand before lighting any outdoor fire.
The department is also encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with the RM of Woodlands’ Fire Prevention and Control By-law 2720-19, which outlines requirements for open burning and gives council the authority to issue burn bans.
Hill said decisions on burn bans are based on current and forecast weather conditions, with council working closely with the fire department to determine when restrictions are necessary.
When it comes to fire emergencies, Hill’s message is clear: call early.
“Any time a resident feels they have a fire that may be beyond their ability to control, they should call 911,” she said. “Calling early can make all the difference, and we’re here to help residents whenever they need us.”
Waiting too long, she added, can quickly lead to fire spreading onto neighbouring land and causing property damage.
Hill also pointed residents to FireSmart guidelines, recommending homeowners clear debris from around homes and outbuildings, especially in rural areas where longer grass and dry vegetation can fuel fast-moving fires.
For farmers, she said sparks from machinery striking rocks or metal can easily ignite dry fields, particularly during harvest.
She recommends keeping equipment clean and ensuring every machine carries a fire extinguisher.
Hill said the most important message for residents this spring is understanding both their legal responsibilities and when to ask for help.
“Know your responsibilities under the Fire Prevention and Control By-law,” she said. “Call 911 early—don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
