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Winnipeg fire crews responded to more than 500 homelessness-related fires in past year
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CityNews Winnipeg
Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service crews responded to more than 500 fires linked to homelessness over the past year, a figure city officials and the firefighters’ union say highlights ongoing safety and resource concerns.
Between January and Nov. 30, Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service responded to 543 encampment-related fires.
In 2024, crews responded to 512 similar incidents.
“It is deeply concerning to see that over 500 fires had occurred at encampments across the City of Winnipeg,” said Vivian Santos, chairwoman of community services, City of Winnipeg.
The firefighters’ union says even if encampment fires decline, overall call volumes are unlikely to drop in the near future.