The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has taken steps to make it easier for members to become certified fire investigators.
Fire investigations are done by a certified fire investigator trained on how to determine the origin and cause of a fire.
Members used to have to travel to take the training at the Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC), located in Brandon, Manitoba.
Working with the College, the WFPS developed a training site to accommodate the practical training and testing required for the MESC's Certified Fire Investigator program.
Since the site was completed in 2021, 16 WFPS members have completed their training and testing to become a certified fire investigator.
The training is done in a custom-built Fire Investigations Training Site located at the WFPS Training Academy.
The Fire Investigations Training Site measures roughly 55 square meters and has four drywalled rooms. It can easily be reconfigured, allowing students the opportunity to train with different types of rooms, such as a kitchen or laundry room.
Construction of the Fire Investigations Training Site was done by WFPS members and cost approximately $5,000. It was built using recycled, thrifted, and donated materials.
The rooms have different types of electrical wiring systems in them. This means instructors can alter scenarios being studied. Those taking the course are exposed to different types of fire damage to wiring systems and taught how to determine whether the wiring contributed to the origin of the fire.
“Our trainers set up scenarios to test our members. The fires mimic what they may encounter as part of their day-to-day work,” explained Jason Fedoriw, Chief Officer, Fire Investigations.
“The scenarios may include fires caused by accidental, intentional, or natural means.”
The Fire Investigations Training Site is also used for regular training drills, continuing education, and experimental trials.
The WFPS’s Accelerant Detection K-9 (arson dog), Scooby, and his handler use the site to practice skills. Scooby can sniff out fire accelerants, very quickly and accurately.
In 2023, our Fire Investigators investigated over 600 structure and property fires in Winnipeg. Their findings are then reported to the Office of the Fire Commissioner, and they work jointly with the Winnipeg Police Service when relevant.