Nine calls for emergency assistance was received by your fire department this past month:
On September 22 at 10:54 a.m. thirteen members responded to a call for Mutual Aid to Eckville for an alarms ringing at a residence in their area. Bentley was stood down once EFD was on scene and the situation was under control.
At 3:51 p.m. that same day members were sent to another Mutual Aid call to assist Lacombe Fire Department with a watercraft rescue on Gull Lake. The SPOT satellite the kiteboarder had been wearing was accidentally activated, alerting the spouse who called 911. This individual was found safe and sound at the Sandy Point parking lot, completely unaware of the situation. BFD was released from the scene.
On September 30 at 7:39 p.m. crews were sent to assist Eckville once again, this time with a structure fire in their area. Once again Bentley was stood down en-route.
At 8:45 in the morning on October 2, ten members were sent to a 4-vehicle accident on Highway #20, just north of Aspelund Road. Two northbound vehicles had collided in the icy conditions while the two vehicles following had avoided the accident by leaving the road and hitting the east ditch. All patients were cared for until EMS' arrival, who examined them and sent two to hospital. The highway was closed for a time so all emergency personnel could work safely in the treacherous conditions. Two of the involved vehicles were towed, minor hazmat cleanup was done by the BFD and the highway was reopened.
On October 9 at 1:57 p.m. ten members responded to a vehicle fire, conveniently close to the hall on RR 1-1, just south of Highway #12A. A garbage truck was on fire; the driver had noticed smoke then flames issuing from the engine compartment and managed to pull over and park before evacuating and calling 911. Firefighters disconnected the sparking battery cables before dousing the truck with water and foam until the blaze was extinguished. Minor cleanup was done on the gravel roadway and the driver arranged for towing.
Just before 10 p.m. on October 12 crews responded to a Citizen Assist call. A concerned new resident near Aspen Beach reported a bright glow in the sky on the east side of Gull Lake. Investigation revealed no smoke or fire anywhere in the area but a strong light from the large greenhouses on Lincoln Road was deemed to be the culprit. This was declared a non-emergency.
On October 16 eight firefighters were sent to an outside fire on Highway #20 and Twp. Rd. 40-2 just southwest of Bentley which turned out to be a monitored, controlled burn with permit in place.
An hour later another call was received for Mutual Aid to Eckville for an MVA in their area. Bentley was stood down once it was established Eckville had the situation managed.
And at 2:22 p.m. that same day Bentley was sent into Eckville's area to assist them with an outside fire. A large area in a crop field was burning quickly due to some wind. Clearwater County was called in as well and the fire was brought under control then extinguished. Six dirty, tired firefighters returned to the hall for the messy cleanup.
We would like to thank you all for attending Bentley District Fire Department's open house on Monday, October 15. We enjoyed seeing familiar faces, meeting new folks and showing off the hall and all the interesting trucks and equipment we have inside!
Right after Open House we received a request from Lacombe Fire to help do a Mutual Aid training scenario involving two accidents occurring at the same time. One "accident" was a two-vehicle pileup and two patient extrications at Popow's and the other was a mock structure fire at the No Frills. It is always enjoyable to work with our mutual aid partners and learn new skills.
A two-day course studying fire behaviour was held October 20 and 21 at the Red Deer Training Centre and was attended by three members who gained valuable knowledge which they are eager to share with the rest of the department.
The Crestomere playgroup made their way to the Bentley fire hall for a tour on the morning of October 22. The seventeen boys and girls were able to learn all about the safety gear and equipment and finally explore all of the wonderful trucks. We hope you all had a great time!
And finally, we would like to introduce to you our newest member; Paul Keen. Paul owns a tow-truck business and we look forward to putting his skills to use. Welcome to the department Paul, we are happy to have you join us!
