In the first quarter of 2026, the Dauphin Fire Department were called out to service for 60 emergency responses.
The time period is January 1 to March 30. This marks a 23% increase over the same time period last year.
Of these responses, 15 were motor vehicle collisions. Most of these were weather-related and road conditions.
"We always want to remind people to be cautious while on the highways, drive according to the road conditions," said Cam Abrey, Fire Chief. "The snow has melted, but even with rain, watch incase you start to hydroplane. Take a look at the conditions of your tires."
10% of the responses were because of kitchen fires. Kitchen fires are classified as unattended cooking that has set off a smoke alarm. Three large fires in recent months were related directly to unattended cooking.
"We can't put this out there enough. If you have something on the stove, do not leave it unattended," added Abrey. "When we do public presentations, we remind people to carry a wooden spoon in their hand if they leave something on their stove and have to leave as a reminder that there is something on. Again, the best deal is don't leave the kitchen when you're cooking."
The Fire Department also gave a shoutout to Gary Hollyoake, Alvin Bogoslowski, Greg Acevedo, and Jordon Steiner. They had 100% attendance for weekly training during the first quarter. The force meets every Wednesday.
Gary, Alvin, Greg, Ken Ushkowski, and Jesse Shuttleworth have the top five attendance at calls for the first quarter. They attended at least 75% percent of the calls.
Over the past 20 years, the need for the DFD's services has skyrocketed. In 2005, there were 144 calls. In 2025, there were 264 calls for service. That's an increase of 83%.
"So these folks are out there and even with that large increase in calls, they're still making high percentages," added Abrey. "The practices are so essential in the safety of our members to continue to train to protect yourself, your partners, and the community."
In some other news, for the first time since 2019, the DFD is fully rostered. They had a recruitment drive in February, and it was very successful. 17 members will start their Level 1 firefighting training in September.
The Manitoba Emergency Services College has had to revamp its firefighting program due to international changes adopted. The new program comes out in July. In September, Abrey says they'll go forward with their new class. It'll mark the largest class that the DFD has ever had.
There are 23 other members, totalling 40.
"Yeah, it's great to see the excitement in new members' faces when we start this training," ended Abrey. "Learning and developing these skills. Working as a team and building that fire family."
Other First Quarter Statistics:
False Alarms: 37%
EMS Lift Assist: 10%
Structure Fires: 8%
Vehicle Fires: 3%
Other: 3%
Outdoor Fires: 2%
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 2%
