ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Fire Department were in demand throughout the month of December, responding to numerous incidents, including structure fires and medical aids.
Last month, the Fire Department responded to two structure fires, eight motor vehicle collisions, a vehicle fire, and also assisted Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with medical aids numerous times, according to Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich.
Overall, the department responded to 22 incidents during the last month of 2023. Of those 22 incidents, seven emergency incidents were responded to within 48 hours between Dec. 24 and 25.
“It is uncommon to see that amount of calls over that specific period,” says Kotowich. “Certainly, [there were] more people are on the road, which means more cars, which means greater opportunity for collisions.”
Kotowich also says the fire department responded to a number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm calls.
“Of particular interest were a couple of carbon monoxide alarms members attended, [where] in fact levels of carbon monoxide [were] found in the home. Luckily, working detectors functioned as they should have, alerting the residents who then called 911,” explains Kotowich.
Apex Utilities took over both the carbon monoxide incidents after the residents were evacuated by the firefighters.
“Every home should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of their home,” says the fire chief.
Kotowich also says the lack of snow is concerning for fire fighters, cautioning that dry conditions could get worse moving into the spring fire season if there isn’t any significant moisture over the winter months.
The lack of snow amplifies fire hazards in the spring, “unless, of course, we get timely rains in April,” he explains.
Despite the mild winter so far, multiple weather forecasts, including Environment Canada’s, forecast that it will get colder in the upcoming weeks. For Jan. 7, Environment Canada is forecasting a high of -17C and a low of –20C. The colder temperatures are forecasted to continue in the following days.
“As we seem to be entering into a colder time period, I encourage everyone to ensure they have working smoke and [carbon monoxide] detectors in their homes, and to make sure they use approved rate electrical cords when plugging in vehicles outside,” says Kotowich.
Also, when travelling, Kotowich recommends preparing necessities in case of a vehicle breakdown.
“Blankets, water and candles along with always letting someone know where you are travelling, along with expected arrival times, is always sound advice,” he recommends.
Looking forward to 2024, Kotowich said the fire department welcomed three new recruits, with 2023 seeing five members retire.
Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller and County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman also saluted the volunteer firefighters.
Miller says the St. Paul Fire Department’s members are all volunteers save for two, and that recruitment is difficult. So, “I’m pleased for the three new recruits for this year,” she said.
Ockerman agrees, saying the volunteer firefighters came together and kept their community safe, mentioning the “treacherous” 2023 wildfire season among the other work the fire department has done in the previous year.
Controlled burn and fire permits
On Jan. 2, a fire was sighted along Highway 881 south. According to Kotowich, this was a controlled permitted burn of brush piles by a landowner.
Fire permits are available online through the County of St. Paul website.
"The County of St. Paul would like to stress that landowners who are issued fire permits, must contact the Bonnyville 911 Dispatch Service prior to igniting their fire at 780-826-7446," according to information from the County of St. Paul. Fire permits are valid for 14 days from the date issued.
