Fire Protection
Fire protection services in the Local Government District of Pinawa are managed by the Pinawa Fire & Rescue Service (PFRS). Of the district's total area of 122 square kilometres (39.5 square miles), approximately 101 square kilometres consist of forest land, which encompasses 6.1 and 2.2 square kilometres on Carter and Hind Islands, respectively. Within this region, more than 33 square kilometres fall under the protection of AECL’s nuclear site license. An additional 10 square kilometres are included in the Whiteshell Provincial Forest, with 5 square kilometres designated as part of the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
PFRS operates as a paid-on-call fire department, serving the community with a team of twenty (20) members possessing diverse training backgrounds. The department receives dispatches for fire and rescue emergencies from the Provincial 911 Communications Center, and for medical emergencies from the Manitoba Transportation Coordination Center (MTCC); both agencies are based in Brandon.
The PFRS operates according to council directives set out in bylaws, following its guiding principle and mission: THE PINAWA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE EXISTS TO GIVE OUR COMMUNITY THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE FOR A POSITIVE OUTCOME DURING FIRE OR RESCUE EMERGENCIES.
The PFRS conducts weekly training sessions, except during July and August, in accordance with industry best practices and guided by NFPA Standard 1720: Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments.
The service is governed by a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures, which are organised into three distinct categories: Administrative, Workplace Health & Safety, and Operations.
PFRS is licensed by Manitoba Health, Seniors & Long-Term Care to provide emergency medical response for individuals experiencing medical or traumatic events. Operating under relevant regulations, PFRS responds to dispatched emergencies with ten certified responders, either Emergency Medical Responders or Advanced First Aiders.
The PFRS is among thirteen fire departments in the Northeast Mutual Aid District, where each department both offers and seeks assistance in emergencies, guided by the principle of neighbours supporting one another.
The PFRS delivers fire protection services to the Tim Hortons Camp situated within Whiteshell Provincial Park and serves as the sole mutual aid responder for the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories facility (Whiteshell Fire Department) when required. Robust partnerships have been established and continue to be strengthened, providing advantages to all stakeholders involved.
The service maintains two (2) Class A fire engines, an independent Compressed Air Foam System Unit (CAFS Trailer), a Rapid Response Wildfire Urban Interface Truck, and a Special Operations Trailer (Spec Ops) equipped with specialized tools to support firefighter decontamination following incidents. Additionally, resources are available for Wildfire Urban Interface and Structure Fire Operations in areas without fire hydrants, as well as water and ice rescue operations.
The fire and rescue service consistently looks for community-minded, team-focused individuals to become part of our organization. Joining us brings personal satisfaction, as you have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people facing their most challenging days. Email firechief@pinawa.com to explore your next adventure.
