SUNDRE – As firefighters from far and wide deploy to assist in the ongoing battle against the Jasper-area wildfire, members of the Sundre Fire Department whose coverage area includes a vast expanse of dry forest right on Sundre’s doorstep remain vigilantly on guard at home.
Members from the fire departments in Carstairs, Olds and Didsbury deployed to the wildfire arrived back this weekend. The next contingent from the Didsbury and Carstairs departments arrived in Jasper Sunday.
“As for Sundre, we could not afford to send any of our resources due to our current conditions and the size of our protection area,” Sundre Fire Department’s Deputy Chief Dave Bennett told the Albertan Thursday.
There has been the odd rain shower in the area in the last few days.
“With the current conditions, it’s enough to knock the dust down,” said Bennett.
“But it’s not enough to decimate … the fire risk as of yet,” he said.
“We would need some sufficient moisture within our area before I would let any of our members go,” he said, adding the decision is not from a lack of the crew’s desire to go, with several Sundre firefighters keen to help if they can.
“That being said, if there’s open seats in an engine headed out of the county, I do have a few firefighters that would be more than willing to hop on board.”
Meanwhile, the department has taken measures to ensure members are ready to roll out in the event of any situations suddenly unfolding in the area.
“With what’s going on with the dry conditions in our west country here, we’re fully prepared,” he said.
“I’ve got eager firefighters, we have a really great crew of people down at our station,” he said, adding "I kind of had to tell them: we need you here at home.”
Responding to a question about whether he might have concerns about people who might despite the situation nevertheless be tempted to set off fireworks or start outdoor fires, the deputy chief reminds the public that a full fire ban has been implemented both within the municipality of Sundre as well as Mountain View County.
The only allowable activities, he added, are the use of propane-fuelled stoves and pits as well as barbecues.
“I understand the frustration with fire bans,” said Bennett.
“But please be smart. And if you see anybody, then please call 911 if they are acting unreasonably and using anything other than a propane-powered stove or pit,” he said.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to those in Jasper and all of the people that are affected, and our firefighters that are working diligently day and night to try and mitigate this situation,” he said.
“So, keep that in mind before you go out of your way and start to play.”
