City of Winnipeg tackling arson with coordinated action

Winnipeg, MB- The City of Winnipeg is taking proactive steps to combat the risk of suspicious fires and arson through coordinated prevention, enforcement and investigations.

Through the Problem Property Committee and Arson Prevention Group, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS), Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), and other City departments are focusing efforts on high-impact measures to prevent arson, including:

• Inspecting vacant buildings:Licensing & Bylaw Enforcement conducted 9,616 inspections to enforce safety standards and ensure vacant buildings remain secure in the first three quarters of 2025
• Securing vacant buildings:378 properties were boarded under stricter requirements throughout the first three quarters of 2025
• Clearing illegal dumping & debris:372 tonnes were collected as part of arson sweeps in the first three quarters of 2025
• Investigating arsons:In the first three quarters of 2025, the WPS Major Crimes Unit conducted 177 arson investigations

"Over the past several years, we've implemented a number of initiatives aimed at stronger enforcement, strengthened investigations, and more robust securement standards for vacant properties to stop arson before it happens," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "The Problem Property Committee and Arson Prevention Group are targeting problem properties, reducing fire risks, and arresting arsonists."

WFPS Fire investigators work closely with the WPS Major Crimes investigators when a fire is considered suspicious. These investigators collaborate daily to determine the causes of fires, investigate suspicious incidents, and gather evidence that may lead to arrests and Criminal Codecharges related to arsons.Arson typically involves evidence of malicious or reckless intent.

"We know increased collaboration between all partners makes our community safer. By preventing arson, we strengthen our community, significantly reducing the number of residents impacted by potentially devastating fires. This not only addresses safety concerns but also alleviates pressure on our department and responders," said Christian Schmidt, Fire and Paramedic Chief, WFPS.

"Everyone has a role to play in combatting arson," said Inspector Jennifer McKinnon, the commander in charge of the WPS Major Crimes Division. "While the Winnipeg Police Service concentrates on investigations and holding people to account, we recognize that we are stronger with the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. Our investigators, crime analysts, General Patrol and Community Support Unit officers play a crucial role, but we rely on strong partnerships with WFPS, bylaw enforcement, and other City departments, as well as the community to keep our neighbourhoods safe. Only by working together will we see positive change."

Residents can help prevent the risk of fires and arsons by:

• Calling 9-1-1 if you see somebody tampering with security boards or entering a vacant property
• Contacting 311 if you notice that boarded windows and doors have been breached but you don't see anyone trying to enter a vacant building
• Contacting 311 to reportillegal dumping or garbage accumulation

Anyone with information regarding suspicious activities that could result in an arson are encouraged to contact Winnipeg Police Service non-emergency line at 204-986-6222 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

View fire response data on the City's Open Data portal, broken down by classification and date up to the end of September 2025.

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