Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has a new tool to support firefighters at fires and rescues.
“As Chair of Community Services, I’m proud to support continued investment in modern equipment for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service," said Councillor Vivian Santos. "Ladder 1 responds to thousands of calls each year, and this new 100-foot platform aerial ladder strengthens both firefighter safety and rescue capability. When we invest in frontline tools, we invest in the safety of our entire community.”
Crews at WFPS Station 1 (65 Ellen St.), will respond to emergencies using a new platform aerial ladder. Fire crews pushed the new truck into service at a ceremony this morning.
“Since 2022, the City of Winnipeg has been renewing Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service apparatus – including funding for four new ladder trucks, eleven pumper/rescue trucks, one heavy rescue truck, and a specialty incident support vehicle – and this new Ladder 1 is a key part of that push,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’re also adding 40 new firefighter FTEs this year, because a strong emergency response takes both staffing and modern equipment.”
This platform aerial ladder truck has firefighting capabilities and has a 100-foot ladder and a secure standing platform. This allows firefighters to fight fires or rescue people safely and efficiently.
The new truck features:
- Dual deck guns capable of producing two high-volume water streams so firefighters can create a “wall of water” when needed
- 20-kilowatt generator that powers equipment without idling the main engine, reducing wear on the vehicle
- Winter tires to support safe navigation on icy or snow-covered roads
- Anchoring capability that allows the ladder to be lowered below ground level, for rescues from pits or other challenging sites
WFPS dispatches ladder trucks to many fire and rescue calls. This truck will replace the current Ladder 1, which responds to more than 4,200 calls each year, an average of more than 11 calls every 24 hours.
“This new platform aerial ladder strengthens our ability to protect Winnipeggers,” said Christian Schmidt, Fire and Paramedic Chief, WFPS. “This ladder will respond to thousands of calls every year, and having modern, reliable equipment is key to keeping our crews and community safe.”
WFPS currently operates six ladder trucks across the city, including “stick ladders” without a platform and platform ladders that are equipped with a basket.