Training is Challenging, but Essential for Firefighters

Training is Challenging, but Essential for Firefighters

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Training is always a challenge, but essential for today’s firefighters, just ask Mundare Fire Chief Glenda Dales. She has been at the helm of the department for 35 years and says that while training is challenging, it is an essential component to effective firefighting techniques and necessary in order to operate all of the latest equipment. Dales says they have been utilizing the Lamont County Emergency Services Training Centre near Chipman for some of the training in recent months. While most training can be conducted close to home, there are a few courses members will be travelling to attend. For example, two firefighters will be participating in training in Vauxhall, Alberta. There they will be learning about heavy lifting, stabilization and shoring, adds Dales. Just before COVID hit, Dales says they were fortunate enough to have eight members trained in grain bin rescue techniques.

So far this year, Mundare Fire & Rescue has responded to 37 calls. Dales says call volume is down from the previous year, which is good. The department also took possession of a new fast attack/brush truck in December, and put into service in January. The new unit has been used for a few grass fires and for traffic control during motor vehicle incidents.