Madawaska Valley Fire Department

08/26/2025

Thank you for your patience in waiting for an update on the Wilno brush fire. The MNRF has advised Fire Chief Quade that the fire is no longer spreading, things are going well and is getting close to being under control. There is no risk to structures or the public at this time.

We will continue to provide updates when we receive them.

08/07/2025

Effective immediately, the Township of Madawaska Valley is now under a total fire ban. No open flames or fires are permitted.

Do your part to keep yourself, your neighbours, your property and our firefighters safe in these dry conditions. Absolutely no open flames (including campfires, charcoal BBQs, and fireworks) are permitted. Take extreme care when butting out ci******es.

01/17/2024

It is always a good thing when your local fire department doesn’t have anything to report for a few months, and even better when the next post is something this wonderful.
I am elated to announce that Monika Sawiak is our newest Captain at the South Hall!
I have had the opportunity to see Monika’s dedication to her fire family first hand when she drove through a snow storm and cleared her all-too-busy schedule to help me make sure I would hit the deadline for my FF1 and FF2 cirtification. This was while she was a fellow firefighter, so I’m sure as a leader she will do great things. The dedication she has shown to every member of the team made her a clear choice for this honour and I couldn’t be more proud to call her captain.
If you see her out and about in the community, please join us in congratulating her for this achievement.
To find out more about Monika, the Valley Gazette has written a wonderful piece on her promotion.

Congratulations Captain Sawiak! 🧑‍🚒

-Katrina 👩‍🚒

07/14/2023

07/09/2023

The Madawaska Valley Fire Department has been with the OPP on site. If anybody has information or is missing a loved one fitting the description, please contact the OPP at the number below.

Katrina 👩‍🚒

04/20/2023

Thank you to all the volunteers that make Madawaska Valley the community it is. No matter what you do in service to others it should be appreciated! From our team to yours, thank you!

I would also like to use this post to thank the amazing team we have here at the MVFD! Whether it is 2pm or 2am, the men and women here jump into action when needed. If you didn’t know, like in most small communities, our team is made up entirely of volunteers. Attendance at meetings, use of personal vehicles, calls and courses (such as the fire academy and other training) is done in service to the community entirely to keep our neighbours safe. Over the last few years I have been in awe at the dedication this volunteer department holds. I’m proud to work next to all of you!

If you know a volunteer in any position, you still have 2 days to thank them for National Volunteer Week! Go off and spread the love!

Katrina 👩‍🚒

02/11/2023

Liz at the Balmoral allowed me to share this. As quickly as I heard the page, it was changed to “no further assistance required”.
Quickly noticed, quickly called in, and quickly extinguished. The best case scenario for everyone involved! Well done to the firefighters who responded with such haste.

Thank you for your kind message via email Liz. The Balmoral is an amazing historical piece to Barry’s Bay, and the new life you’ve given to it is an asset to the community!

Katrina 👩‍🚒

02/08/2023

Thank you to BLRFD for responding with mutual aid. We were thankful to see the extra trucks and crew on site.

Our teams did an incredible job from start to finish. It was the definition of teamwork, and I am so proud to work next to men and women like you. With the direction of our Chief and Captains, we used our training to ensure that we were both safe and effective.
Thank you to the community for all of the kind words sending us well wishes. We see them, and appreciate them.

Katrina 👩‍🚒

Madawaska’s Valley’s Fire Chief says it was a miracle no one was hurt in a fire that destroyed a Combermere home Friday […]

02/03/2023

News release from Chief Quade regarding last nights fire call.

Katrina 👩‍🚒

The Madawaska Valley Fire Department was dispatched to 100 Block of Pinecrest Ave in Barry's Bay on February 2/2023 at 5:34PM for a structure fire. The MVFD was on scene within 5 minutes and were able to contain the fire quickly.

Fire fighters could see the smoke coming from inside the building along with flames from the interior of the building as they arrived. The fire was in the walls of the structure and the ceiling. The fire fighters extinguished the fire within 20 minutes. There were 21 fire fighters, 3 pumpers and rescue vehicle from both stations that responded to the fire.

The building sustain serious damage, and there was no insurance on the building. Damage to the building is estimated to be about $5,000. OPP and OFM were contacted in regards to the fire.

Submitted by Fire Chief Corwin Quade

02/02/2023

The Madawaska Valley Fire Department was called out for a structure fire in Barry’s Bay this evening.
Members from both halls responded.
This is a good reminder that if you see something- say something. Thankfully the structure was unoccupied and was called in early enough to remain contained to the original area.

Katrina 👩‍🚒

02/02/2023

Please share

I felt that this deserved its own post.
Unfortunately, overdoses do happen, and it is important to help educate the community on this life saving spray.
It can be found at most pharmacies, and they can direct you on administering it. You never know when you could save a life. It is as easy as placing it in the nostril and pushing the red plunger.

The following description is taken directly from the narcan website.
“NARCAN® Nasal Spray is an intranasal form of naloxone. It is used to treat someone who has overdosed on opioids. NARCAN® Nasal Spray can be used by anyone to reverse the effects of the overdose until medical help arrives.

Opioid drugs work by acting on specific receptors found in the brain and nervous system. When these drugs attach to those receptors, they reduce the amount of pain felt. Taking too many opioids can lead to an overdose and that can stop someone from breathing. The person may also experience other symptoms. NARCAN® Nasal Spray stops the opioids from being attached to the receptors, and this reverses the effects and symptoms of the overdose.”

-Katrina 👩‍🚒

02/02/2023

On top of our regular training, over the last 2 days both halls have been participating in recertification for first aid and CPR. This is an annual certification for us.
We have welcomed the incredibly knowledgeable paramedic, Brandon for multiple years to instruct us. Brandon came to us from Pulse Start professional first aid training services.
We are happy to say that all manakins have been aided (and snuggled- thanks for the candid photo Sue!😂) - and our teams have refreshed their knowledge to assist the community.

-Katrina 👩‍🚒