The Sundre Fire Department's goal to make the municipality and its surrounding area Fire Smart is an ongoing effort, council heard last week.
Deputy fire chief Kevin Gamble updated elected officials on the department's roles and activities in the region during a brief presentation.
The department has a roster of 32 volunteer firefighters, as well as some younger aspiring members in the junior program. Their responsibilities include but aren't limited to tending to structural as well as wild land fires, swift water and ice rescue, off-highway vehicle and motor vehicle collisions, and medical assistance, he said.
"We're on call 24-7, 365 days a year whenever members are available. We're dedicated to enhance and preserve the quality of life, property and environment through education, leadership, partnerships and effective timely response to all fire emergencies."
Other services offered by the department include providing inspections and investigations, he said, adding members also actively engage in raising fire prevention awareness with the schools and the public, and also host community events at the hall such as the annual pumpkin carving and the upcoming Dec. 16 Santa visit.
The department also invests time, resources and effort towards training, recruitment and retention. Every year, an average of 175-200 or more emergencies are responded to, he said.
"Our response area is just a little bit greater than 1,500 square miles to include Clearwater, Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve, a small area of the MD of Bighorn and of course Mountain View County."
Firefighters are also responsible for maintaining the department's equipment as well as its fleet of 10 units. Key initiatives for the coming year include future planning for a new fire hall and apparatus, he said.
"Looking forward, ongoing community Fire Smart planning, provide Fire Smart public education sessions, and work with community leaders to implement Fire Smart programs such as our chipping program."
Mayor Terry Leslie sought further elaboration on the Fire Smart initiative.
"It's public awareness," said Gamble, adding the department was not successful in applying for grants.
"That's just because our community isn't as affected as some of the ones up north ó that's where the money went this time," he said, adding efforts to continue applying for grant funding are ongoing.
Even without any grants, the department's desire is to continue working with community volunteers and partners to drive home the Fire Smart message, he said.
Coun. Cheri Funke wanted to know how many volunteer firefighters are qualified to handle inspections and investigations.
"There are now three of us, (fire Chief Marty Butts), myself and Frank Crouch," he said, adding all have completed pertinent courses that qualify them.
Council proceeded to carry Gamble's report for information.
