Downtown Winkler was filled with the smell of grilled sausage burgers and the spirit of community Thursday, June 25, as Pfahl’s Drugs hosted a fundraising BBQ in support of the Winkler Fire Department.
Supporting the firefighters that fought the wildfires
The event, organized and cooked by Pfahl’s Drugs owner Sig Pfahl, was held to raise funds for local firefighters currently deployed up north battling wildfires.
“We're raising some money for the local fire department and [thank them for their] effort,” said Pfahl, busy flipping burgers at the grill.
The cause was close to home, as members of the Winkler Fire Department remain on active duty in northern Manitoba. “[This is for] fire awareness. Fires have been burning all around us, so I thought it was worthy to support a group that has sacrificed manpower and made an effort helping the rest of the province,” Pfahl said.
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Supporting by donation
Attendees were treated to sausage burgers, fries, and pop, with no set price—just a suggested donation to the “fireman’s booth.” “Whatever you're inspired to put into the fireman's... booth,” said Pfahl. “Whatever you're able to donate, bring it on by.”
"It's scary when you see 6 miles of red coming towards you, you know, and it's just all burning." - Deputy Fire Chief Gary Reimer, Winkler Fire Department
Local firefighters continue in the wildfire fight
Deputy Fire Chief Gary Reimer confirmed the urgency of the situation. “They are still up there in Lynn Lake... it’s critical today... it's within a mile of Lynn Lake,” he said. “It's scary when you see 6 miles of red coming towards you.”
Reimer added that while one nearby fire—across the lake from Lynn Lake—is currently under control, it all depends on weather conditions. “It all depends on the wind and hopefully some rain.”
Grateful for the community support
Reimer also shared what the event meant to the department. “It means a lot because you know our guys are taking time off work to go out there, fight those fires and just to have someone that appreciates that in their community means [a lot].”
And Sig Pfahl wasn’t just organizing. “He's actually barbecuing. He's actually doing the work,” said Reimer with a smile.
The BBQ ran until 1:30 p.m., with all proceeds supporting the Winkler Fire Department’s wildfire efforts. The setup, right outside Pfahl’s Drugs in the Co-op parking lot, made it easy for residents to drop by and show their support.
As the fires continue to burn and local crews remain on the front lines, community-driven efforts like this one are a welcome reminder of how much local support matters.
