The Wawanesa & District Fire Department is made up of 26 volunteer fire fighters. The members are from Wawanesa, and the R.M. of Oakland, as well as from Green Acres Colony. The fire chief is Dennis Gullett, and Deputy Chief is Shane Wilton. The department is a member of the Grand Valley Mutual Aid as well as the Association of Manitoba Fire Chiefs.
We service approximately a 20 mile radius around the Village of Wawanesa, which includes the Municipality of Oakland-Wawanesa, the Municipality of Glenboro South Cypress, as well as a small area in the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis. We are equipped and trained to respond to fires, hazmat incidents, motor vehicle accidents, water rescue incidents and farm accident rescue calls. All of the members have level 1 fire training, and 6 members are level 2 fire certified, as well as 10 of our members are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians. The members have to complete 8 training sessions a year to maintain the skills with the department and keep familiar with updated equipment.
In February of 2009 the fire department moved from its previous location on 4th Street to the new 4000 sq. foot fire hall on Main Street. The new hall has been a great addition to the department and the community; it contains 4 bays and a fully equipped training area. We at this time have a 1993 Fort Gary fire pump as well as a new Green Acres Industry Snuffer unit completed in 2009. Our department is also equipped with a 12 foot zodiac and 4 cold water rescue suits.
Thanks to the community and Council for the funding and the support.