Did you know:
In 2024, after becoming aware of the alarming volume of structure fires in Winnipeg, the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbacco, and Firearms (ATF) offered our department the opportunity to send a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator to receive specialized training.
Upon completion of training, Winnipegs Fire Investigation Branch became host to the first and only ATF Accelerant Detection Canine team in Canada.
In its first 6 months, the team surpassed 68 of the 69 active ATF teams in North America.
In its first year of operations, Winnipegs ATF ADC became the busiest of North America’s 69 teams and is capable of deploying internationally as an ATF Task Force Officer.
While this is an excellent first step in our fight against the growing Arson epidemic in Winnipeg, more needs to be done.
Despite its efficacy (having reduced the number of arsons and suspicious fires in the city by 38 per cent in its first year of operation) Winnipegs arson strike force was disbanded over a decade ago.
Staffing in Winnipegs Fire Investigation Branch has remained stagnant since its inception with only 1 investigator per shift.
It’s time to support the Fire Investigation Branch with an investment in resources required to battle Winnipegs Arson crisis.
