This collision at Dollarama last week has continued a busy call pattern for the Nipawin Fire Department after a record 2025. (Nipawin Fire/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Busy times for Nipawin Fire Department

Nipawin Fire Chief discusses record year in 2025

Jan 6, 2026 | 11:54 AM

The Nipawin Fire Department is coming off a record number of calls in 2025, and many of them were not responses to fires.

Fire Chief Paul Cockell told northeastNOW the department had 260 calls last year, which shattered the record of 208 set in 2015.

“This was an increase of 45 per cent from last year’s 179 incidents,” Cockell said.

The calls were varied, and Cockell said all sectors saw an increase in calls last year. However, one was busier than ever.

The department responded to 49 motor vehicle collision calls in and around Nipawin in 2025, up 96 per cent from 25 the previous year.

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Cockell said he’s unsure why they were busier than usual.

“We’ve always been fairly fortunate with people’s driving habits during inclement weather,” Cockell explained. “There have been a few lately due to the icy conditions in and around town, but overall, it can’t be attributed to one single factor.”

While the department currently has a full complement of volunteers, Cockell said they’re always looking to add more. He said they are fortunate to have many businesses that support the department by allowing their employees to leave work and help protect the community.

Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter can apply, said Cockell.

“Applicants need to get a criminal background check with vulnerable sector. We can train both in-house and bring in specialized instructors.”

After last year’s record call volume, 2026 seems to be following that trend early on. Cockell said the department is on a ‘call-a-day’ pace right now in 2026, including responding to four motor vehicle collisions like the one at Dollarama.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com