United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, IAFF L867

10/13/2026

Mayor Sharilyn Knox, City of Portage la Prairie gets it!

Responsible planning isn’t about cherry-picking reports to confirm an existing bias. It’s about undertaking a comprehensive review of your fire and rescue service, understanding current and projected demands, establishing measurable performance standards, and making informed, evidence-based decisions.

What stands out most is Mayor Knox’s commitment to ensuring these reports don’t simply “sit on a shelf.”

Studies and recommendations mean little without action. The real value comes from translating those findings into a multi-year plan with clear priorities, measurable outcomes and sustainable financial commitments that keep pace with community growth.

Firefighters deserve the resources to do their jobs safely. Taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability and responsible long-term planning.

👏 A round of applause for this commitment to public safety! It’s a responsible approach that larger cities and fire departments across Manitoba can learn from.

10/13/2026

A major fire. A neighbourhood at risk. Firefighters held the line.

Early this morning, Winnipeg firefighters responded to a major fire involving a two-storey residential building under construction.

With winds driving intense heat and embers toward neighbouring homes, crews arrived to find an extremely challenging situation. The building would ultimately be a complete loss, but our members were determined to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding properties.

The first-arriving fire engine established a water supply and began an exterior attack using hose lines and a deck gun. However, the nearest hydrant was unable to provide sufficient water, forcing crews to establish additional water supplies. Another nearby hydrant was found discharging water from its base, rendering it unusable.

Compounding these challenges, multiple responding fire apparatus were delayed by a train at a railway crossing, hindering the initial firefighting attack and delaying the arrival of additional personnel and equipment.

As the fire intensified, the second floor collapsed into the first. Neighbouring homes to the south were evacuated as firefighters worked from multiple positions to protect them from the extreme heat and wind-driven embers. Aerial operations provided an additional angle of attack.

Despite these significant challenges, firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring structures.

This incident demonstrates why response times matter, and why having enough firefighters on scene quickly is so important.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards establish an eight-minute travel-time benchmark for assembling the initial full-alarm assignment at low- and medium-hazard structure fires, with a target of meeting that benchmark at least 90% of the time.

Having the personnel and equipment on scene to simultaneously attack the fire, establish water supplies, conduct rescues, and protect neighbouring properties can make all the difference.

Reliable infrastructure, timely emergency access, and adequately staffed fire apparatus aren't luxuries. They're ESSENTIAL to public safety.

We're incredibly proud of our members and the work they performed under difficult conditions to protect the residents and homes of this Winnipeg neighbourhood.

10/12/2026

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving, Winnipeg!

From our members to you and your families, thank you for the trust you place in us and the kindness you show our crews throughout the year. We’re grateful to be part of this community and proud to serve it.

To everyone gathering around a table, and those spending the holiday apart, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

As always, our on-duty members are here if you need us. 🚒

10/11/2026

🚒⚡ Fire prevention starts with education!

Members of the Winnipeg Fire Department’s Public Education Branch visited Mulvey School, Manitoba’s flagship school for Fire Prevention Week, for a special school-wide assembly.

This year’s theme, “Charge It to Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” helped students learn about electrical safety, safe charging habits and preventing fires.

With thoughtful questions, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog and an up-close look at a fire truck, students had plenty to take away and share with their families. 🐾

Thank you to Mulvey School for the warm welcome, and to our Public Education Branch for helping young Winnipeggers learn skills that can save lives.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

10/08/2026

A proud moment for first responders across Manitoba.

Our International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is recognizing the historic appointment of David Pankratz as Manitoba’s first Minister Responsible for First Responder Initiatives.

A 12-year veteran of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, David brings firsthand experience and an understanding of the challenges facing those who dedicate their careers to protecting others.

With Manitoba’s recent commitment to strengthening presumptive occupational disease protections, and now a dedicated minister responsible for first responder initiatives, we have an important opportunity to build on Manitoba’s history of leadership in firefighter health and safety.

Taking care of those who take care of our communities isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s an investment in public safety.

We look forward to working collaboratively to turn these commitments into meaningful improvements for first responders, their families, and the Manitobans we proudly serve.

🤝Proudly serving Winnipeg since 1882.

🔥 Big news from !

and provincial legislator David Pankratz has been appointed Minister Responsible for First Responder Initiatives.

Follow the link in the comments to learn what this means for the province's 1,600 members 👇

10/07/2026

🔥 Early Monday morning, your Winnipeg Firefighters responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames at a commercial property in the 700 block of Main Street.

Called at 4:46 a.m., crews initially fought the fire from outside, using aerial ladders to direct water from above before conditions allowed them to move inside. The fire was brought under control by 8:30 a.m. No injuries were reported.

Proud of the skill, teamwork and determination our members bring to protecting Winnipeg, any hour of the day or night 💪

10/05/2026

🔥 IGNITE THE NIGHT - 2026 UFFW BANQUET & BALL 🔥

It’s time to dress up, come together, and Ignite the Night!

Join us on Saturday, November 21st for our refreshed and reimagined Banquet & Ball - an evening dedicated to celebrating our members, our friendships, and the incredible community that brings us together.

🥂 Upscale reception including a curated selection of food & fully inclusive bar
🎶 Live entertainment & dancing
🏆 Celebration & recognition
🔥 A night with friends and colleagues you won’t want to miss!

📅 November 21, 2026 - Doors open 6 pm

Gather your crew, grab your tickets, and get ready for one of the biggest nights of the year.

IGNITE THE NIGHT 🔥

Get your tickets at the link in the comments (UFFW members - log in prior to purchasing tickets to access a special price)👇

10/04/2026

October 4 - 10 is Fire Prevention Week! 🔥

UFFW and your Winnipeg firefighters are sharing simple ways to prevent lithium-ion battery fires. We see these hazards regularly and respond to fires caused by damaged batteries and unsafe charging practices. A few simple precautions can help keep you and your family safe:

🔌 Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
📱 Charge on a hard, flat surface, away from beds, couches and blankets.
⚠️ Stop using a device if you notice unusual heat, strange smells, popping sounds, swelling or smoke.
✅ Unplug devices when fully charged.
🚲 Keep exits clear when charging e-bikes, scooters and power tools. Charge outside when possible.
✈️ On a plane, keep portable chargers on the tray table when in use. Never charge in overhead bins or charge vapes.

Small habits can make a big difference. Learn more at the link in the comments below. 👇

09/30/2026

Today we acknowledge the past and reflect on the shared desire to move forward in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation 🧡

09/28/2026

A special weekend for Manitoba’s professional firefighters. One that gave us an opportunity to remember, and then look ahead.

It began Saturday at the annual Manitoba Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial, where we stood alongside firefighters, families, friends, and members of the public through heavy rain to honour our five fallen Brothers who were lost to occupational illness.

We also welcomed an announcement from the Manitoba Government committing to make Manitoba a world leader in presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters 🙌

On Sunday, that same sense of solidarity carried into the biennial Manitoba Professional Firefighters Association Convention.

Delegates representing Manitoba’s five IAFF Locals: Winnipeg, Brandon Firefighter Paramedics Local 803, Whiteshell Professional Firefighters Association, Thompson Professional Firefighters Association - IAFF L2200, and Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Local 1079 came together to debate resolutions, elect new Board members, modernize the way our provincial association operates, and chart a course for the years ahead.

The convention resulted in some historic changes, including the adoption of a new, modernized Constitution, improved financial practices, and the formal transition from the Manitoba Professional Firefighters Association to IAFF Manitoba 🦬

A new name, modernized governance and a new chapter for IAFF members across our province.

Delegates heard from guest speakers IAFF 13th District Vice-President Fred LeBlanc, MLA David Pankratz and Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck, who joined us to speak directly with union leaders and lend their perspectives to the weekend.

We were also fortunate to hear from UFFW Executive Board Emeritus and MPFFA President Emeritus Dave Naaykens, along with UFFW Executive Board Emeritus and Manitoba Fallen Firefighters Foundation President Rob Campbell. Both shared some of the history behind these organizations, the people who built them, and how far we have come.

On Saturday, we honoured the Brothers whose service helped shape the fire service we have today.

On Sunday, we got to work building what comes next.

We’re proud to have been part of both. 🤝