The gratitude was heartfelt as the County of Grande Prairie’s fire chief came to Lloydminster fire hall number one to say thanks to Border City crews who pitched in during last year’s wildfire fighting efforts.
Lloydminster fire crews and equipment shipped out to Grande Prairie to lend support as firefighters in that community battled to keep residents safe and protect property.
Trevor Grant, regional fire chief with the county said when the fires started in May last year, “it was taxing for their fire department.”
“We asked the province for resources and Lloydminster answered the call and came out and did a great job.”
He said while they lost four homes, the Lloydminster crews were “key to ensuring that the fire did not breach the perimeter” that they had set up. They were able to protect about 440 homes, said Grant.
The county is about 5,500 square kiliometres which is about the size of Prince Edward Island, explained Grant, and looking to what this year will bring, he said that perhaps a damp spring would lessen the fire hazard risk. He noted that last year moisture levels were at 75 per cent when they called for help, and for this winter, moisture levels are at 40 per cent. He said crews are hoping for the best even as they make preparations for the upcoming fire season.
Justine Boisson with the Lloydminster Fire Department said the commendations from Grant were unexpected, but the Lloydminster firefighters were glad to lend a hand and know that it was appreciated.
“We went there as support for their crews, and we were able to give them a bit of a break,” said Boisson who had just come in from a structure fire. She said if called upon, the team would be ready to go again to support their neighbours.
“We enjoy the job and being able to help our community and the communities around us,” she added.
Grant has been to St. Paul to express the gratitude of his community. He is also recognizing the efforts of the Canadian military, the County of Vulcan, the City of Calgary and Strathmore, and other fire teams across the province that he will be visiting to share the heartfelt sentiments.