News briefs for Monday, May 19, 2025

Winnipeg fire ban over

3:09 PM

The fire ban that was in place for the city of Winnipeg as of May 5 has expired and will not be renewed, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) announced Monday.

All activities that were prohibited under the fire ban are now allowed again. That includes open fires, backyard fire pits, fireworks, fire pits in city parks and the use of solid fuel-burning appliances.

The WFPS advises people to use all fire pits and outdoor cooking appliances with caution and within bylaw regulations and recommends people always have a way to put out the fire within arm’s reach.

The WFPS thanked all residents for their understanding and adherence to the fire ban and for their continued commitment to fire safety in the city.

Woman charged after rollover collision

10:21 AM

A woman is facing charges following a collision after which a police officer was assaulted.

Early Sunday morning at approximately 3:10 a.m., Winnipeg police responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision. Officers saw a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze on its roof, having collided with a parked 2022 Audi A5. Both cars sustained damage rendering them inoperable.

Officers assessed the adult female driver and 18-year-old male passenger of the involved vehicle. Both were medically cleared and no other injuries were reported.

The adult female driver was taken into custody by officers and an investigation was conducted based on observed signs of intoxication.

While being searched at police headquarters, the 28-year-old woman became combative and allegedly physically assaulted a central processing officer, resulting in a lower-body injury that did not require medical attention. The search revealed a folding knife, approximately three grams of cocaine packaged for sale with an estimated street value of $300, and $155.

The woman faces charges including assaulting a peace officer, drug and weapons-related charges, and an impaired driving charge. She was released on an undertaking.

Weapons and drugs seized, three facing charges

9:39 AM

Two men and one woman are facing charges after a police investigation this month into drug trafficking and firearms in the St. Matthews neighbourhood.

A number of items were seized, including two replica air pistols, a magazine for SKS ammunition, a large quantity of assorted rounds of ammunition, approximately 131 grams of fentanyl with an estimated street value of $13,100, approximately 0.5 gram of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $40, approximately $600 in Canadian currency, drug trafficking materials and packaging, and scales.

On May 17, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Team, the Guns and Gangs Unit, the Canine Unit, the East District Community Support Unit, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems/Drone Unit, and Central District General Patrol officers, investigators executed two warrants on an apartment suite in the 400 block of Toronto Street.

Two adult males and one adult female were taken into custody without incident. They each face charges related to drug possession, trafficking, and firearms possession. The woman was released on two undertakings. The men were detained in custody.