The Steinbach Fire Department is coming off its busiest year on record as officials continue to manage fire safety and regional coordination across southeastern Manitoba. Following a record-breaking 398 incidents in 2025—a 30 percent increase from the previous year—Fire Chief Kel Toews has highlighted the department’s increasing operational demands.
The department, which operates out of the fire hall at 477 Main Street, relies on a team of roughly 50 paid-on-call members. These firefighters are paid specifically for the calls and training sessions they attend, with Chief Toews currently serving as the department’s only full-time staff member. During community emergencies, the fire hall’s classroom also serves as the city’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) Centre.
To handle major incidents, Steinbach works within the Eastman Mutual Aid District. This regional system, coordinated by La Broquerie Fire Chief Alain Nadeau, facilitates support from nearby departments including Hanover, La Broquerie, and Ste. Anne. This coordination ensures that extra firefighters and specialized equipment are available when local resources are stretched thin.
Residents are also encouraged to register for the Steinbach Alert Now (STAN) system. This free service allows the city to send voice or text messages to registered users to warn them about life-threatening situations or safety hazards. While wildfire season in Manitoba officially begins on March 1, local officials monitor the Fire Danger Index daily to determine if burning restrictions or additional alerts are necessary.
