Firefighters Without Borders has donated about 1,000 sets of bunker gear in the last two years. (file photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Derek Cornet

helping others

Firefighters Without Borders donating gear to Hatchet Lake Dene Nation

Aug 22, 2019 | 11:53 AM

First Nations communities across Saskatchewan including Hatchet Lake Dene Nation are benefitting from large donations from Firefighters Without Borders Canada (FWB).

Within the last year, Ontario FWB representatives Carl and Christina Eggiman have sent approximately 1,000 sets of bunker gear to Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management. Eggiman received the used gear from fire departments in Ontario and it’s just been recently he’s been sending the donations to First Nations communities instead of developing countries.

“That’s a huge resource for the province they didn’t have before,” Eggiman said. “Now they are fully equipped, and they are going to be fully trained, so that’s the idea behind it. You have another 1,000 bodies, males and females, as a resource to help combat fires.”

A number of donations for Hatchet Lake Dene Nation is currently in Prince Albert waiting to be delivered including a Mako breathing air compressor complete with cascade, as well as jackets, pants, boots and helmets. The donation came from the Prince Fire Department near Sault Sainte Marie in Ontario and Eggiman stated the used compressor alone is worth $5,000. Back in June, Hatchet Lake also received an ambulance donated by the South Sherbrooke Township.

The ambulance will be used to transport patients from the local health centre to the airport and Eggiman noted it’s fully equipped for service.

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This compressor is used for filling tanks with breathable air. (submitted photo/Carl Eggiman)

Helmets, as well as boots and pants, were also donated to Hatchet Lake Dene Nation. (submitted photo/Carl Eggiman)

Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management Service Officer Randy Bair stated the donation of bunker gear will go a long way when it comes to fighting fires on reserve. In some communities, he said residents are forced to fight fires wearing only jeans and a shirt.

“It’s huge for all the First Nations,” Bair said. “Bunker gear protects them from the heat and smoke.”

He also mentioned for communities to be part of the equipment program, they must meet several requirements like ensuring smoke detectors are in homes, conduct public education presentations, create escape plans and provide ongoing maintenance to the fire hydrants in their community.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno