The Carman Dufferin Fire Department (CDFD) has a new training site to celebrate as it heads into 2026.
Located one-mile north east of Carman next to the RM of Dufferin shop, the four-acre training site is expected to be an, “invaluable asset” to the CDFD and the community, said fire chief Chris Lemky.
“It is a place that the CDFD can practice and hone our skills for all types of emergency scenarios so that when the community needs us we can ensure we are physically and mentally able to serve them the way they deserve to be.”
The CDFD began planning, fundraising, and building the training site in 2019. The facility was designed not only for the CDFD, but also for the entire Boyne River Mutual Aid District. It hosts safety courses, training nights, and practice sessions for all district members. Previously, firefighters had to travel to Brandon for hands-on training–– something they can now do locally.
The site features several sea-container structures, including a five-container stack used for search and rescue training, ladder training, roof rescues, and high-angle rescues; a three-container stack designed to simulate a structure fire for live-fire training; a single-container unit also used for live-fire training; and a concrete pad for vehicle extraction and vehicle fire scenarios.
Funded in part by the Province of Manitoba, along with donations and community fundraising efforts, Lemky said the department is proud to have completed the site in 2025–– a goal they had long been working toward.
“There are many more plans in the future to keep the training site growing, including windows, doors, and stairs in the three-stack, electricity to the property, and constructing or moving in a building that will house a classroom and washroom facilities,” he added. “These future plans are ongoing and will be completed as money is raised.”
A significant contribution to the site’s success came from memorial donations made in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Bell. His wife, Donalda, and family collected donations to support the project.
“Dennis served on the CDFD for 27 years and was an integral part of the department’s growth and commitment to training,” Lemky said. Although he worked with Bell for only four years before Bell’s retirement in 2007, Lemky praised his dedication and work ethic.
“During my time working with Dennis, I remember he was always pushing for training,” he recalled. “Whenever there were courses or opportunities available, he encouraged participation—especially for new members. He always took extra time to teach us, whether it was operating the pumper truck, properly donning gear, or using safe and effective techniques during vehicle extrication.”
Lemky added that the memorial donations allow Bell’s name and legacy to live on through the CDFD, and he expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed.
In 2026, Lemky shared his top priority of the year: keeping up with the training and service for its community. CDFD is also in the final stages of planning of the expansion and renovation of the fire hall, with construction anticipated in the spring. Additionally, Lemky is excited for their third annual Carman Dufferin Firefighters Association ball at the Carman Community hall Feb. 7. “It’s going to be an amazing evening once again,” he said. The ball will feature a dinner, comedian, live band, silent auction, live action and more–– all in support of the CDFD’s projects and operations.
“The CDFD would like to thank everyone in the community for their support in 2025 and we look forward to the support in 2026,” Lemky added.
