‘It’s typical this time of year’: Winnipeg fire crews battle 12 fires in one night

Winnipeg firefighters can give themselves a pat on the back after responding to a dozen fires Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Crews were kept busy battling fires throughout the city, including the West End, River Heights and the North End.

READ MORE: Fire crews battle morning blaze in River Heights

Alex Forrest, president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg, said many of the fires were “likely arson”.

Location and timeline of fires

7:26 p.m: fire in park at 750 Tache Avenue

7:28 p.m: two bush fires on Waterfront Drive and Heaton Avenue

7:35 p.m: youths set fire in bush at 2795 Ness Avenue

9:38 p.m: fence and trash bin fire at 450 McGee Street

READ MORE: Arson unit responds to McGee Street fire Monday night

10:33 p.m: garbage fire on 600 Redwood Avenue

10:58 p.m: garbage fire at 81 Grandmont Boulevard

11:37 p.m: fire at 435 Sherbrook Street

12:09 a.m: fire at Waterfront and Higgins

3:50 a.m: car fire at College Avenue and McPhillips Street

4:23 a.m: house fire at 660 Waterloo Street

5:36 a.m: garbage bin fire at 1180 Wilkes Avenue

6:58 a.m: garbage bin fire at 581 Aberdeen Avenue

Rise in fires not unusual

Although 12 fires in one night seems like a high amount, it’s actually quite normal for this time of year, according to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS).

Marc Proulx is the public education coordinator with the WFPS. He said the combination of “warm weather, no rain and wind” is causing a spike in arson.

RELATED: ‘I’m up the creek without a paddle’: disabled Winnipeg man heartbroken after fire destroys vehicle

“This is typical for this time period. Opportunities are there because everyone is outside,” Proulx said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is typical for this time period. Opportunities are there because everyone is outside," Proulx said.

“It’s the end of the month and bulk waste is also accumulating in alleyways, like discarded mattresses.”

WATCH: Marc Proulx talks about the spike in fires

1:30 Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service on why arson spikes in the spring

Although there is a rise in fires around the city, Proulx said it will likely go down by the end of the month.

City departments are working to “nip it in the butt”, by driving along back alleys and collecting waste.

Prevention tips

Proulx said you can can protect yourself by using motion sensors and making sure materials are picked up and not accumulating near your garage or fence.

“That goes a long way in deterring these types of behaviours,” he said.

Dangers of arson

While no one was injured in these fires Monday evening and Tuesday morning, Forrest said it’s a senseless crime that puts people’s lives at risk.

“Arson is the most dangerous type of fire we fight. Arsons are usually at night, there is usually an accelerant, so the fires spread quickly,” he said.

“This is something we have been fighting for a generation in Winnipeg.”

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Forrest is calling for more funding to be put into the Arson Strike Force and Youth Firestop Program.

“The root of the problem is a socio-economic problem in Winnipeg,” he said.

“We need to get into the schools. We need to educate from kindergarten all the way up, that arsons are not a victimless crime. Arson kills people. They have a tremendous impact and we need to stop it.”