Firefighters from across Manitoba continue to rally together as wildfires rage in several parts of the province, including a large blaze in the Rural Municipality of Piney, which has been 50 percent contained by Friday evening.
Firefighters from multiple municipalities have deployed to assist, bringing crucial manpower and equipment to the front lines. Morden Fire & Rescue shared on social media that four of its members and an apparatus have been dispatched to the Whiteshell area to support the ongoing wildfire response. Some members had already been sent earlier this week to assist with the Nopiming fire.
All across various social media platforms, there are many posts about these fires from various departments that are responding to the call for help.
Mutual Aid: an agreement between adjacent fire departments to help each other free of charge in the case of a major event, such as wildfire.
Winkler Fire Department confirmed that it has sent crews to assist with fires in both Woodridge and Badger, responding to requests from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Reynolds Fire Department has been particularly active, sending crews to Woodridge, Badger, and West Hawk Lake over the past two days. Reynolds Fire also noted that they were joined by departments from Winkler, Altona, Morris, and others as they fought to protect homes and set up sprinklers to prevent fire spread.
La Broquerie Fire Department has been supporting efforts in Piney as well, deploying two crews of five to Woodridge, Badger, and Florze to assist with evacuation and structure protection. "We helped assess conditions in Badger and set up sprinklers on properties near the head of the fire," the department posted on social media.
The Carman Dufferin Fire Department, alongside members from Elm Creek, St. Claude, Rosenort, and Miami Fire, have mobilized crews to the Whiteshell, joining approximately 100 other firefighters from around the province. According to the Carman Dufferin Fire Department’s Facebook page, they are assisting Manitoba Wildfire Service with water tankers and other equipment to protect vulnerable areas.
As mutual aid continues, fire departments across the province are keeping local coverage intact while still sending crews to support other regions. "We’re incredibly proud and grateful to our members for answering the call, sacrificing time away from their families and workplaces to support fellow Manitobans in their time of need," Morden Fire & Rescue stated.
With more fire danger expected in the coming days, local departments are urging Manitobans to remain vigilant and stay informed.