Wallace District Fire Department

06/01/2026

On May 30/26 at 6:59 p.m. Virden Station 1 was called to a tractor on fire north of town. Crews quickly worked to put out the fire which originated from under the cab. Thankfully other than some property damage there were no injuries encountered in this fire and the occupant was able to exit the tractor. As is common with large machinery, surfaces can contain a layer of grease , oils ,or fuel on them. When these ignite water is not enough to extinguish them as the water will "push" the fire around since the oils and water don't like each other and will try to stay in their own corners of the room. What we will use then is Class AB foam in our water. This foam gives the burning fuels a big old bear hug which prevents oxygen from being able to reach the fire. Three things are needed for a fire : oxygen, heat, and fuel. If you remove one of those things from the fire triangle you can no longer have a fire.

06/01/2026

On May 29/26 at 7:36 p.m. Virden Station 1 was paged to a fire alarm sounding east of Virden. When crews arrived to the station to respond to the incident they were updated that they could stand down to the call as it was a false alarm. The cause of the alarm? Dust kicked up from a vacuum. Station 1 Virden then returned to service. Smoke detectors are a very sensitive device and if you are wondering why dust can set one off here is a link that gives a meat and potatoes explanation of it and steps you can take to help prevent it from happening to you .

Yes, dust causes false alarms. We explain how particles trick the sensor, identify susceptible alarm types, and provide maintenance fixes.

05/30/2026

On May 28/26 @ 9:25 p.m. Virden Station 1 was called south of town to a grass fire. Upon arrival crews extinguished trees, brush, and grass on fire around some out buildings. Thankfully no structures were damaged and no injuries were sustained in this call. Cause of the fire is believed to have been caused by a branch coming in contact with over head power lines.

05/30/2026

The month of May has brought a variety of different calls to Virden Station 1. Between May 4th and May 27th Virden has been paged to the following: 1 Motor vehicle accident, 1 fire alarm, 1 carbon monoxide alarm, 1 call to assist EMS, and 2 grass fires. Thank you to all the different agencies we've worked along side at each of these incidents.

05/26/2026

05/24/2026

May 20 at 11:34 AM, Station 2 - Elkhorn was dispatched to an alarm sounding at Kola School.
Luckily, it turned out to be a false alarm. The students were excited to see the firefighters and equipment while crews ensured everything was safe.

05/22/2026

March 16 at 1:46 PM, Station 2 - Elkhorn was dispatched to a reported structure fire involving a well shed.Upon arrival, crews found that the fire on the outside of the structure had already been extinguished. Firefighters then worked on the vehicle fire and thoroughly checked the building to ensure there was no hidden fire inside the walls.

05/22/2026

Great job to all MNFPS in these incidents and to one of our previous fire fighters from Station 1 Virden Dave Pappel! Keep up all the good work!

MFNPS Officers Receive National Awards

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service is proud to recognize several of our members who were presented this past week with awards and recognition by the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association for their outstanding service, bravery, leadership, and commitment to public safety. Chief Jason Colon and Inspectors Derek Beach and Darryl Hunter were present for the presentations.

Bravery Award:

Cpl. Cameron Schafer and Cst. Aere Maia were recognized for their exceptional bravery and professionalism during a dangerous firearms-related incident on Sandy Bay First Nation. While attempting to stop a suspect vehicle connected to firearm offences, officers became involved in a high-speed pursuit that was soon terminated due to the risk it posed for the public. During a second pursuit through rural roads and populated areas, a suspect riding in the box of a truck raised what appeared to be a firearm and fired a round directly toward the police vehicle.

Despite being fired upon at close range, both officers remained composed, continued their tactical response, and worked to protect the public throughout the incident. Their courage, determination, and professionalism under life-threatening circumstances reflect the highest standards of policing.

Lifesaving Award:

A/Sgt. Cale Laurence, Cst. David Pappel, Cst. Leyton Medwick, and Cst. Ethan Fontaine were recognized for their lifesaving actions following a violent stabbing incident in Birdtail Sioux First Nation. Responding officers immediately provided emergency first aid to two severely injured victims suffering from critical stab wounds.

Through teamwork, leadership, and calm actions under pressure, the officers controlled severe bleeding, treated chest and abdominal wounds, and monitored the victims until EMS and STARS air ambulance arrived. Their actions directly contributed to preserving life.

Distinguished Service Award:

Cst. Thomas Nicolls was recognized for outstanding dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and the communities we serve.

Long Service Recognition Awards:

Recognition was also presented to members for their years of dedicated service and commitment to First Nations policing:

• Cst. Dale McKay
• S/Sgt. Kristen Tompsett
• Inspector Darryl Hunter

We congratulate all recipients and thank them for their continued commitment, courage, and service to our communities.

05/22/2026

May 4 at 3:40 PM, Station 2 - Elkhorn was dispatched to a grass fire north of Cromer.
Thanks to the quick actions of nearby Enbridge employees using fire extinguishers, the fire was kept out of a nearby yard site before firefighters arrived on scene.

05/22/2026

May 6, at 5:22pm Station 2 - Elkhorn was Dispatched to a grass fire in a pasture a few km north of town.