The Town of Winnipeg Beach and the Winnipeg Beach Fire Department have banded together to sell fire blankets to the community.
When the local fire chief got a few boxes of fire blankets for the firefighters to sell, the initial plan was to sell them as a fundraiser for the department. To make buying and receiving easier for community members, the fire department thought one location with set hours selling them would be best.
They spoke with the town, and now the fire blankets are being sold at the town office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Each blanket is $35.
Because the department is selling the fire blankets at cost, it is generating very little revenue, but any money made will go back into the Winnipeg Beach Fire Department for small supplies.
Fire blankets come in a cylindrical tube. They’re made of woven glass, are wall-mountable (allowing quick and easy removal), and are designed to smother flames. Local firefighter Travis Taylor said almost all, if not all, department firefighters have a fire blanket in their homes in case of emergency.
“They are very quick and sufficient for a small fire,” he said. “Whether it’s on your stove or yourself; you can wrap it around yourself if need be.”
Fire blankets are a one-time use only, and can prevent a very large fire from happening. Taylor’s responded to multiple scenes that could have been avoided if a fire blanket was around to put over small flames.
“They’re such a good thing to have,” said Taylor. “They’re easy to use. Children can use them, seniors, and adults. They’re easier than a fire extinguisher.”
Each fire blanket comes with instructions. The Winnipeg Beach Fire Department is selling the blanket that measures five feet by six feet, comes in a PVC pouch, and has straps to pull down on that will release the blanket. Then, you can put it on the fire and smother the flames. Before doing anything, though, it’s important to off the source of the flames. Taylor recommends still calling 9-1-1 even if the fire blanket puts the fire out so a future fire can be avoided.
