The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has introduced a new tool designed to better support firefighters during emergency calls, including fires and rescues.
A new platform aerial ladder truck was introduced to WFPS Station 1 at 65 Ellen St. on Friday, featuring a 100-foot ladder and a secure standing platform so firefighters can reach high to fight fires or rescue people.
“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.”
The new truck also features dual deck guns capable of producing two high-volume water streams, so firefighters can create a “wall of water” when needed.
It also has anchoring capability, which allows the ladder to be lowered below ground level for rescues from pits and other challenging sites.
This truck will replace the current Ladder 1, which responds to more than 4,200 calls each year.
WFPS currently has six ladder trucks in service across the city, including traditional “stick ladders” without platforms and platform-equipped ladders with baskets.
