The demand for firefighter services in the Penhold area this year is expected to be consistent with 2010, based on growth trends and confidence in the market, says Penhold’s fire chief.
Top fire department official Jim Pendergast counted 53 calls for emergency fire department service in 2010, including one major structure fire. There were 61 calls logged in 2009.
“(The year) 2011 is expected to be just as busy with the strong outlook for economic growth in town and increased traffic on the highways through town,” says Pendergast.
The area’s growth will affect the department’s activity level, he added.
“If there are more buildings, more people and more traffic then there is potential for more emergency incidents, and an increased demand for fire prevention and public education activities,” said Pendergast.
In the last year there have been additional homes built in town and new developments like the Multiplex also draw an influx of people into town and on the roads.
In a 2010 year-end report, Pendergast said fire, rescue and EMS responses weren’t the only services the 23-member department provided.
Providing public education also kept the department busy in 2010 at facility openings like the MultiPlex, events like Penhold Days and Winterfest, and assisting many groups and organizations in their endeavours.
The number of volunteers is keeping pace, now being within the range of ideal membership of between 22 and 25.
“In 2008 we were at 12 so it has been a steady increase,” said Pendergast.
Twenty-three (firefighters) is a very good number (to have), said Pendergast, adding the department could take on a few more volunteers.
Members have ongoing training with weekend fire courses and, in this last year, 51 weekly practice nights.
