Red Deer fire crews respond to three blazes over last three days

Nobody was hurt, and crews did not notice any animals that were harmed. Nor was there any damage to wooden structures in the marsh, such as bridges and gazebos.

White estimated the area that was on fire to be about the size of a football field.

Then on Sunday evening, emergency services responded to a fire in a wooded area in Johnstone — north of Jennings Crescent and west of Joa Avenue.

The fire was contained quickly, and crews ensured, as always, that no hot spots remained.

On Monday morning, around 9:30, RDES responded to a fire in the wooded area between Rona+ and Red Deer Polytechnic, to the west of Taylor Drive.

Though black smoke could be seen rising from the south end of Gasoline Alley, White says the fire was contained quickly, and damage to trees was very limited.

The cause of each fire remains unknown, and all remain under investigation. None of them are believed to be caused by arson.

As usual, this time of year, the message continues to be about how dry everything is outdoors and how quickly a fire can start, especially when carelessness is involved. Extreme caution is advised, no matter who you are or what you’re doing, including tossing cigarette butts out the window.

Since May 1, White says RDES has responded to 26 vegetation fires and 62 outside fires, which represent about 14 per cent of their call volume during that period.

In addition, RDES shared on social media that they executed a rope rescue on the weekend.

At around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, members took to an area somewhere in a wooded area between 44 Avenue on the east and Gaetz Avenue (north) to the west. There, a man had fallen down an embankment, and White explained the best way to help the person was to set up a rope system.

by Josh Hall

Red Deer fire crews respond to three blazes over last three days

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