ASSINIBOIA - Assiniboia’s Fire Chief, Terry Lacelle, said their department welcomed Lewis Harvey and Riley Faford to their team.
For the month of May, AFD responded to two calls. One included a rural call of a sparking power line that resulted from a power pole cross arm smouldering from a downed wire on the cross arm. The second call was for assistance with Hutch Ambulance.
AFD members participated in two practises. On May 8, the team did a tour and pre-planning session at the new Department of Highways shop, along with some tripod and rope rescue training in the firehall. On May 22, AFD members undertook preparation work on the fire training grounds structure as well as operation of the wildland unit and UTV fire unit as an introduction to the department’s newest members.
Fire Chief Lacelle adds, “We have also been part of public education and community support events.”
“On May 3-4, the fire department had a booth at the Assiniboia and District Chamber of Commerce trade show to discuss fire safety and display their tools. Additionally, on May 23, the fire department supplied four trucks to assist with traffic control for the Hayley and Cayden Memorial Mother’s Day run.”
Fire Chief Lacelle and Deputy Chiefs Topola and Bamford will be attending the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference and Trade Show May 30-June 1 in North Battleford.
The safety topic for this month from AFD is in regards to backyard fire pits.
“Fire pits should be made of brick or steel with a steel mesh screen on top to stop embers from flying around. Best option is a fire pit you buy that is designed for it. It should be surrounded by gravel or brick approximately one meter around the pit and be a minimum of three metres or 10 feet from other combustibles, like your deck, house or garage,” affirmed Chief Lacelle.
This division of protective services in Assiniboia also reminds residents, in regards to backyard fire pits to always keep fires manageable in size, noting small is better. Residents are requested to only burn clean, non-treated wood in these fire pits, and no person is permitted to burn trash, refuse, garbage or industrial waste or material within the Town of Assiniboia.
“Always have a source of water available at all times to manage embers that get out of the pit.
Lastly, always be courteous to your neighbours, no one appreciates their yard filled full of smoke from someone else’s fire,” noted the chief.
Community residents are always encouraged to know the fire risk and fire ban announcements in their area before engaging with backyard fire pit activity.
