The fire department currently has 25 out of 30 members. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

emergency services

Fire calls down slightly compared to 2018

Aug 10, 2019 | 12:00 PM

Calls to the La Ronge Regional Fire Department are slightly lower than the same time last year.

“We’re at 127 calls so far this year and this time last year we were at 150,” said Deputy-Fire Chief Rob Pacey. “Our busy times are usually April and May, then it tapers off towards June, July and August. We had a bunch of bush and grass fires early on in the spring, but lately it hasn’t been that busy.”

Pacey mentioned the majority of the earlier calls in the spring were due to people either misusing lighters or improperly disposing of cigarette butts during dry conditions. Currently, the forests surrounding the tri-communities are green and wet, he noted, so the risk of a fire starting is low.

Pacey warned, however, fires can start at any time and it happens when least expected. If residents are still enjoying the camping season, it’s important to be remain cautious about sparking wildfires. Also, with cooler temperatures moving into the area in the next few weeks, Pacey added residents should ensure their homes are safe.

“Just be cautious if you are using space heaters, where they are, and carbon monoxide with your furnace kicking in for the first time since last winter,” he said.

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The fire department currently has 25 members and Pacey expects a recruitment event will occur in September. Fire Prevention Week is also scheduled for Oct. 6 to 12 and there will likely be educational programs taking place at the schools and in the communities.

As of Aug. 9, Wildfire Management has counted 223 fires in Saskatchewan so far in 2019. The five-year average is 391 and there are currently two fires burning – both in northern Saskatchewan.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno