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Regional Fire Chief Provides 2024 Overview to Mundare Council
Regional Fire Chief Provides 2024 Overview to Mundare Council
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Lamont County Emergency Services (LCES) Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore appeared before Mundare town council on Feb. 18 to provide an overview of activities in 2024.
Moore reported that 2024 was a “busy year” with a 15 percent increase in the total number of calls over 2023. Total calls within the county equaled 373 vs. 324 calls in 2023.
Statistics for Mundare Station #5 included both county and in town calls with a breakdown of calls in the following categories: alarms, fire, valid permit, public hazard, assist other agency, medical assist, rescue, wildland fire and motor vehicle collisions. County calls totaled 135 while in town calls totaled 26. Of note, there were 22 motor vehicle collisions on Highway 16.
Mundare Station #5 currently has a complement of 11 firefighters. Moore said two recruits have been hired to date. County-wide 30 people applied to become firefighters with 26 of those considered valid applications.
“New recruits have been on boarded and most have completed required online Health and Safety Training and online fire training. Next Step is working with crews to have minimum skills signed off to begin attending weekly training and responding to fire calls.
County-wide operational funding totaled $1.9 million. Moore stated that was a slight increase based on inflation and cost increases.
Capital funding totaled $937,500. Funds were used to purchase a frontline engine ($650,000); brush truck ($125,000) off road UTV/ATV ($65,000) SCBA Cylinder replacement ($12,500); and SCBA compressor and fill station.
More than $8,000 was received for a Fire Services Training Program grant in partnership with Fort Saskatchewan Fire. Courses included: live fire instructor course, pump operator course, driver operator course, wildland firefighter and officer courses, fire services instructor course.
A new records management systems was completed. Moore said the new system is more streamlined and cost effective than the previous one. The Fire Masterplan is currently in progress, noted Moore.
Later in the meeting, council briefly discussed the recent fire at the Mundare Recreation Centre Campground. Town of Mundare Chief Administrative Office Colin Zyla said the campground is owned by the Town of Mundare and has been operational for at least 15 years.
Zyla said two trailers were destroyed in the fire. As far as cause of the fire, Zyla said, “It is our understanding that the fire started from a portable propane heater in one of the trailers. Given that one of the trailers did not have insurance and the cause of the fire, Council directed administration to develop a bylaw restricting what can be used for heating and a process to ensure that campers have insurance.”
Zyla said the proposed bylaw is expected to come before council on March 4.
According to Lamont County Communication Services, “Crews from Mundare, Chipman and Lamont attended an RV fire (two trailers) on Jan 19 around 0314 and worked to contain the fire in the -32 degree weather. On scene at 0334. EMS, RCMP and ATCO attended the scene.
Cause likely due to propane tanks used for heating catching fire, one occupant treated by EMS and transported to hospital. Damages estimated around $100,000. No fines or charges to the town nor the resident.
As per the regional fire services agreement from 2016-21 (the agreement signed at the time) towns had no financial responsibility for fire calls billing. The current agreement is signed by 4/5 and that would see the towns charged as agreed upon.”
