Manitoba's fire commissioner was fired this week.

An official with the province has confirmed that Chris Jones was let go, along with two other employees from the fire commissioner's office. A fourth individual's job status is still pending.

An internal audit was conducted in January and found irregularities.

"There was a flag that was raised - a financial flag that was raised within the office that came to the attention of the department of finance," said Rick Stevenson, assistant deputy minister of labour relations.

After a second, more in-depth investigation was conducted, Jones and the others were let go. Stevenson said concerns were raised in terms of travel, accommodation, meals and other expenses.

Jones can appeal the decision to the civil service board. The two other individuals are union members and have the right to grieve their dismissal.

The province has asked the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba to conduct a special investigation. Auditor General Carol Bellringer has agreed.

"It's different from other audits that we do. All of the other audits that we do of that nature would be audits that we select, so this is something where we've been requested," said Bellringer.

David Schafer will now take over as acting fire commissioner.

"It would be wrong to say that this won't affect the office but it won't be a detriment to the service they provide," said Stevenson.

Once the auditor general's report is completed, it will go to the ministers of finance and labour. The report will also be tabled in the Manitoba legislature.

Stevenson said that depending on the report's findings, civil or criminal charges could be laid.

Bellringer couldn't say when the report would be completed. 

- with a report from CTV's Rachel Lagacé