The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has seen a drop in the number of fires they have responded to related to homelessness in 2026. New data from the WFPS obtained by CTV News shows that so far in 2026, firefighters have responded to 286 fires where the responding officer believed homelessness may have been related to the incident. A city spokesperson said the numbers include encampment fires, some vacant building fires, outdoor fires and other related incidents. The WFPS does not specifically track fires at encampments. The numbers for 2026 are down from 734 in 2024 and 580 in 2025. The WFPS added that an initial review of the fires showed approximately six per cent occurred within 25 metres of a riverbank. The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg have implemented plans to address homeless encampments, legislating where they can legally be set up, and working to find homes for unsheltered residents.
