The Manitoba government has announced an investment in a new mobile training trailer to support year-round fire rescue training for over 5,000 firefighters across the province. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and safety of firefighters while providing accessible training to municipalities, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard revealed today.
“This is important new training infrastructure that will ensure Manitoba firefighters have greater access to the skills and resources they need to protect themselves, their fellow firefighters, and the public,” said Minister Simard. “Investing in firefighter training is an investment in the safety and resilience of our communities and an important part of our commitment to working with municipalities.”
Currently, Manitoba lacks its own training trailer and has relied on borrowing from the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. The new trailer marks a significant step in prioritizing firefighter safety within the province.
“The investment in fire protection with this trailer and commitment to the safety of Manitoba firefighters goes a long way to ensure firefighters throughout the province are better equipped to handle dangerous situations they may encounter,” stated Kelvin Toews, president of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs. “It is a vital step in safeguarding the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting others.”
Fire rescue training trailers are presently available only in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, making this acquisition a notable advancement for Manitoba. The mobile trailer will facilitate training for critical emergency scenarios such as disentanglement, low-profile operations, and upper-floor rescues.
“Our Manitoba government continues to put the safety of Manitoba firefighters as a top priority,” added Tom Bilous, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) Local 867. “With the purchase of this state-of-the-art training trailer and props, it ensures that firefighters all around Manitoba will now have the opportunity to safely and proficiently hone their skills at mayday, firefighter rescue, and various other critical scenarios.”
In addition, this investment will support access to the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Fire Ground Survival program, which provides essential skills for emergency situations such as becoming lost, disoriented, injured, or trapped. The training, conducted with the mobile trailer, will be available to all members across the province in partnership with the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
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