As fire services across the country prepare for another potentially severe wildfire season, Niverville Fire and Emergency Services is continuing to expand its capacity to meet the needs of Manitoba’s fastest-growing municipality.
The local department, which operates out of 309 Bronstone Drive, recorded its busiest year in 2025. According to Fire Chief Keith Bueckert, the team responded to 347 calls throughout the year, a 20 percent increase from the previous year. This total included 258 medical calls and 89 fire-related calls.
To support this rising demand, the department has been actively growing its team of 35 to 40 paid on-call members. Chief Bueckert noted that the service recently hired six new staff members and is currently mentoring four additional recruits. These personnel manage a fleet that includes two fire engines, a water tanker, a rescue unit, and two support vehicles.
The focus on readiness comes as experts warn of a new reality for wildfire risks in Canada. Following three consecutive difficult seasons, including 2025, when 30,000 Manitobans were forced to evacuate due to wildfire threats, officials are emphasizing the importance of community preparedness. Expert Mike Flannigan, research chair in predictive services, emergency management and fire science at Thompson Rivers University, noted that significant portions of Canada‘s forests have burned in recent years, leading to heightened vigilance across the province.
In response to this growing pressure and the town’s rapid population increase, which is now estimated at over 7,100 residents, municipal leaders have made emergency services a priority. Plans for a new fire hall expansion are currently moving forward as part of broader strategic investments to ensure the continued protection of Niverville residents and their property.
