Continued training is an ongoing and important aspect of the Winkler Fire Department.
Winkler Fire Chief Richard Paetzold says it doesn't matter how busy the year is, training is only interrupted when firefighters are dispatched to a call.
"This year we've been a little busier with training because we're bringing on 8 new recruits," said Paetzold. "They've completed their Level 1 training, and we're now just awaiting evaluation spots at the college in Brandon." Paetzold expects that will happen in the fall.
Meanwhile, in 2022 the Winkler Fire Department responded to a record number of calls, and this year was anticipated to possibly be another record one. However, Paetzold says the record pace of calls has eased, with overall calls down about 20 % through the first half of 2023.
Paetzold says fire incidents are down about 7 % from last year, and calls to motor vehicle accidents have also dropped.
Timely precipitation so far this year has also helped reduce the Fire Danger levels in parts of the Pembina Valley. Thankful for the rain, Paetzold says the fire danger level hasn't gotten in the way of too many summer activities.
"It hasn't impeded too many functions so far this year, and we've got the rain at the right time. Grad was one of them where they had fireworks shows that might have had to be put on hold if we didn't get the timely rain," noted Paezold.
Paetzold encourages people to stay on top of what the current fire danger levels are, either by taking a look at the sign in front of the fire hall or by visiting the department's website.