The Manitoba government is partnering with GlobalMedic, an Ontario-based humanitarian charity, to help identify priority fire departments and co-ordinate the donation and delivery of 32 fire skids to fire departments across the province.
“Last year, GlobalMedic’s Fire Skid Program provided critical support to the Manitoba Wildfire Service during a record wildfire season, at no cost to the first responders protecting our communities,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “We welcome their continued support in 2026, and our government will continue working closely with them to ensure these units reach the departments and communities that need them most.”
Fire skids are self-contained units built around a 1,000-litre water tank mounted on a welded base with a pump and forestry hose. The units, manufactured almost exclusively in Edmonton, can be quickly secured to a suitable truck and brought into service for wildland firefighting.
During the 2025 wildfire emergency, GlobalMedic worked with the Office of the Fire Commissioner to provide fire skids to Manitoba fire departments after launching its fire skid program nationally in 2023. A total of 68 fire skids were provided to the Manitoba Fire Service during the 2025 wildfire season and proved to be an effective addition to local fire suppression capability.
For 2026, GlobalMedic has earmarked 32 fire skids for Manitoba. The Office of the Fire Commissioner, through its community support team, has identified priority fire departments and is co-ordinating the distribution to ensure the units are allocated where risk is greatest.
