Special Areas Fire Services assist with fire reduction efforts at CFB Suffield
Special Areas Fire Services and local fire departments were on hand earlier this month to assist CFB Suffield Fire Services with fire reduction efforts in the base. This fire reduction program at CFB Suffield was identified as a key measure to help reduce fire hazards on the base and prevent large-scale grassfires.
PHOTOS COURTESY SPECIAL AREAS, click for larger images
CFB Suffield Fire Services plans to complete prescribed burns throughout the fall and winter to reduce the potential fire load in the base. Local fire departments, as well as Special Areas Regional Fire Services, have been invited to attend prescribed burns and participate in suppressing fire lines from the roads. The prescribed burn program is intended to reduce the possibility of fires leaving the base and entering surrounding areas.
“Mitigating fire hazards by reducing potential fire load is one of the most important things any of us can do to prevent grassfires. We appreciate the chance to work with CFB Suffield Fire Services, Cypress County Fire, and local fire departments to help reduce fire hazards along the northern boundary of the base.
This program is an important part of reducing fire hazards, and it gives firefighters a chance to work with other fire departments across the region. I want to thank CFB Suffield for their efforts in getting this program up and running and for the positive working relationships we continue to enjoy with their fire services group,” said Rob Palmer, Special Areas Fire Chief.
The first of the prescribed burns took place in the first week of September; prescribed burns will only proceed if conditions allow and specific GO/NO-GO parameters are met. As part of the prescribed burn protocols, local fire departments and Special Areas Fire Services will be notified before a prescribed burn occurs. This will help make sure local fire departments are aware of any prescribed burns, reducing false alarms. Prescribed fires are the knowledgeable and controlled applications of fires in a specific area to remove fine fuels in open areas. Prescribed fires help reduce the size and intensity of future wildfires by reducing fuel loads and fire hazards.
Learn more about Special Areas Fire Services by visiting https://specialareas.ab.ca/services/fire-emergency-services/.