Union head condemns attack on Winnipeg firefighter hit with pole during vehicle fire

WINNIPEG – The attack of a Winnipeg first responder who was allegedly hit with a pole by a man while responding to a vehicle fire is being condemned by the city’s firefighters’ union.

United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president Nick Kasper says situations like this one are becoming more common, and they underscore the need for legislation that protects first responders.

Winnipeg police have said firefighters responded Friday to a pickup truck on fire north of the city’s downtown.

As they approached, a man armed with a metal pole who was standing in the intersection began hitting the fire engine as it passed.

When the crew parked and one firefighter got out, they say he was confronted by the man and hit in the face with the pole, receiving minor injuries.

Kasper says it’s fortunate the injuries were only minor and that it reminds him of a recent attack on two American firefighters who were fatally shot while responding to a call.

“The incident in Idaho was absolutely devastating for firefighters across North America,” Kasper said in an interview Saturday.

“Unfortunately it’s becoming more and more prevalent in our industry.”

Winnipeg police have said that as firefighters approached the vehicle fire, a man, armed with a metal pole, standing in the intersection, began hitting the fire engine. The suspect who hit the firefighter with the pole is believed to be linked to the pickup truck fire.

Police say he faces numerous charges that include assault with a weapon, arson causing damage, possession of incendiary material and failing to comply with condition of release order.

Kasper said the attack comes after two firefighters were killed in a barrage of gunfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in late June. Another was critically injured, and the 20-year-old gunman was later found dead.

Authorities had said the gunman lit the fire and first responders rushed to put it out.

A survey of paramedics by the Manitoba Government Employees Union released in May reported that 93 per cent of respondents have been exposed to violence on the job.

Kasper said violence toward first responders could be due to economic factors, drug use and other mental health issues. He also said his members are responding to more calls.

“When you do double calls, you’re exposed to twice as much,” he said.

He added it’s challenging to not know what you’re getting into when you arrive at a scene.

“We rely on the information our call takers receive,” he said.

“But of course, when we arrive on-scene, things aren’t always as they seem and sometimes unpredictable occurrences like this happen.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025.