‘Reckless and indefensible’: Firefighters union president opposes decision to remove equipment in Winnipeg

The union representing Winnipeg firefighters isn’t happy with the recent move of several emergency vehicles, saying it will impact safety. Jeff Keele explains.

The president of the union that represents Winnipeg firefighters is calling out a decision to remove one apparatus and relocate a four-person engine.

The two pieces of equipment were removed on June 11.

United Firefighters of Winnipeg President Nick Kasper voiced his concerns in an open letter to members, saying the decision “undermines public safety and the operational integrity of our service.”

The fully staffed apparatus was at the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) Station 6, which is located on the north side of the city.

“Removing an apparatus during a period of record-breaking structure fires, unprecedented medical call volumes, and a historic spike in vacant structure fires - especially in Winnipeg’s North End - is reckless and indefensible,” Kasper said in the letter.

Kasper noted the North End and Point Douglas lose more properties and lives because of fires compared to anywhere else in Canada. Removing the apparatus puts people’s lives at risk and impacts the safety of firefighters, Kasper said.

The four-person engine was from WFPS Station 23 in the Fort Richmond area. Kasper called the decision to relocate the engine “equally troubling.”

“That engine is required to provide critical support to both our water/ice rescue unit and out-of-water district tanker apparatus in a community that already suffers from the worst response times anywhere in Winnipeg.”

Kasper said there have already been incidents where response times have suffered from these decisions.

“The residents of Winnipeg deserve better. The firefighters who protect them expect better. And your union will not stop demanding better.”

Speaking Tuesday, Mayor Scott Gillingham said the vehicle removed from station #6 was just a sprinter van that responded to medical calls.

“There was no reduction of fire suppression support. There was no reduction to staff. It was staff moved around,” said Gillingham.

“I’m confident in the fire chief’s strategy. He’s got a vision that is data-driven, based on analysis, to allocate resources in a manner that makes sure we’ve got the adequate level of fire suppression and call for service response for medical calls as well.”

Gillingham said he is always open to having conversations with the union about its concerns, but he added the city is investing in both equipment and staff for the WFPS.

This is a developing story. More details to come.