Parkland County Fire Department Survey
A review of fire protection currently available in Parkland County is being conducted to determine if the service meets the risks and needs of our residents. Click here to learn more about the review and how you can participate in the survey!
Fire Hazard Information - October 3, 2008
The unseasonably high temperatures and drier climate of the past week has bumped up the wildfire hazard from low to moderate throughout Parkland County. The hazard-level is not expected to be reduced until early next week, when temperatures will likely return to seasonal norms. In light of the increased risk of wildfire, a four-person crew will be on standby throughout the weekend
The forecast for this weekend predicts sunny and cloudy periods with a 30 to 40 per cent probability of precipitation. A high of 18C is expected for Friday, dropping on Saturday and Sunday to 16C and 12C respectively.
The increased fire hazard risk means it is critical to ensure all fires are completely extinguished. With cooler temperatures and snow just around the corner, it is easy to assume there may be sufficient moisture to eliminate any chance of starting a wildfire; however, while the risk of wildfire of starting fires may be reduced, there may still be holdover fires.
Holdover fires often start during the fall and winter months as a result of improperly extinguished fires. These fires smoulder underground for a number of months and come to the surface in the spring as a wildfire, after the snow pack has melted and fuel - such as dry grass and wood - becomes more abundant.
To avoid accidentally starting a holdover fire, it is critical that all fall burning be completely extinguished. To properly extinguish a fire, completely soak the area with water, stir up the ashes and soak the area again. Never leave a fire unattended, and always keep water close close at hand. Checking any fall and winter burn sites early in the spring for any hot spots also helps reduce the risk of spring wildfires.
For a list of current provincial FIRE BANS click here: www.albertafirebans.ca
Your Local Fire Department Needs Everyday People Like You!
Looking for a new challenge? Parkland County Fire Services has openings for Vounteer Firefighters at several stations. Pick up your application today!
Applications are available at the Parkland County Office at 53109A HWY 779 or online at: Volunteer Firefighter Application. For further information, please contact Fire Services at 780-968-8400.
Fire Services
County Fire Services consists of placing County owned fire apparatus in strategic locations throughout the County and entering into service agreements with the local municipalities for manpower requirements. Today, over 28,000 County residents benefit from this time-proven system.
Although there have been many innovations with new equipment and technology, one thing has not changed: all County District Fire Departments are a well trained group of dedicated volunteers. These volunteer firefighters operate County pumpers, tankers and rescue units stationed at the following locations:
- Town of Devon
- Parkland Village
- Town of Stony Plain
- Village of Wabamun
- Hamlet of Tomahawk
- Entwistle
- Summer Village of Seba Beach
With 20 County fire vehicles and approximately 200 volunteer firefighters working through agreement with Parkland County, resources are considered adequate to handle most potential emergency situations. In the event of an emergency beyond the capabilities of County Fire Services, mutual aid agreements are in place with every municipality bordering Parkland County, currently 30 agreements with 22 municipalities.
Fire suppression services are provided at no additional cost to County ratepayers, with the exception of our Fire Bylaw wherein charges are implied for undue care and control of burning. Fire permits are required year-round from January 1 to December 31 each year. County residents are encouraged to conduct their burning safely and to contact the Parkland County Fire Services for additional information.
Parkland County Fire Services today are taking an aggressive, proactive approach to fire protection concerns. Planning for future development and purchasing new, efficient fire apparatus and equipment are only two ways we are keeping abreast of the changing times.
If we are only putting fires out, we are only doing half of our job. County Fire Services is equally committed to preventing fires as evidenced through County Fire Prevention activities. Personnel are available for consultation for community group functions and in school facilities for student education purposes.
County Fire Services is proud to be part of the central 24 hour Emergency Communications Centre. Regardless of their location within Parkland County, the public can access County Fire and Disaster related services by calling 911. Persons reporting emergency situations are advised to be aware of their specific location when calling. Your rural address, legal land description, subdivision name and lot number, or accurate road directions are necessary to ensure a prompt response.
Disaster Services and emergency planning are also within the scope of County Fire Services activities. An up-to-date Emergency Operations Plan is maintained, as well as a close liaison with the Provincial Government and local industry. Disaster mutual aid agreements are also in effect with neighboring municipalities.
Parkland County Fire/Disaster Services is continually striving to maintain and improve its level of emergency preparedness. We are always open to input from the community we serve, and concerned individuals are encouraged to contact the Parkland County Fire Services at 968-8400.