This past month your fire department has been called out to eight emergencies:

• At 3 pm on August 22 nine members raced to the scene of an accident on Highways #12 and #20. Two vehicles had collided at the intersection and one person in each vehicle required extrication. The patients were carefully freed and turned over to EMS care while traffic was controlled and RCMP conducted their investigation.
• Shortly before midnight on August 25 crews were sent to a Bentley residence where alarms were ringing. A fire originating on the stove or in the oven had triggered the smoke alarm and sent the resident running for their home fire extinguisher. The occupant quickly put out the blaze and called 911. BFD members arrived and inspected the home using the TIC (thermal imaging camera) to check for further hot spots. The stove was pulled out, unplugged and the homeowner advised to not use the appliance in its current condition.
• On September 3 at 2:19 pm eight firefighters were sent to assist Lacombe Fire Department with a structure fire in Morningside. A single family home was fully involved but all occupants were out so a defensive attack was established to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring houses. Eight hours were spent in this dirty, sweaty endeavour but fortunately no one was injured. 
• About suppertime on September 9 a call came in of a watercraft in distress on Sylvan Lake. The boat had become undriveable, either a mechanical issue or simply out of fuel. The boat driver wisely contacted emergency services once a non-emergency had been established and fire crews were stood down.
• At 2:09 pm on September 10 five members were sent again to the intersection of Highways #12 and #20. Two vehicles had collided, sending one spinning and one flipping several times. Miraculously all occupants were out of their cars and conscious. Lacombe Fire Department was called in to help with traffic while patients were cared for until EMS arrival. Once they were cleared from the scene the roadways were cleaned of fluids and debris and the highways' traffic flow was resumed. 
• On September 14 at 6:29 pm another alarms call was received at another residence in town. The homeowner was contacted by the alarm company and a false alarm was determined, so the BFD was stood down.
• At 4:05 pm on September 17 another accident was reported, sending the only 3 available members to Aspelund Road where two vehicles had collided head-on. Sylvan Lake Fire Department was immediately called in to help. The vehicles were safely stabilized while one of the occupants suffering serious injuries was cut free and carefully removed, then loaded into the waiting ambulance. Rush hour traffic was managed throughout the procedure.
• And on September 18 in the early morning hours another alarms ringing call came in from a Bentley residence. The alarm company contacted the homeowner and discovered that the backyard fire pit had been burning, causing smoke to drift in an open window and trigger the alarm. This was deemed a false alarm.

This past month has been a blissfully quiet one for your department, especially welcome since many of us have been away enjoying an always too-short summer.

• Shortly after 9 pm on July 24 a call came in of a watercraft in distress on Gull Lake. Several members raced to the boat launch area of Stoner's Landing on the west side of the lake, while sending for Lacombe Fire Department to assist with their rescue boat. One member arranged to meet the Parks crew with their boat from Aspen Beach. The boat in distress was located with binoculars from Stoner's Landing and the family in the boat was contacted by cell phone. A non-life-threatening situation was confirmed and Lacombe was stood down. The boat had been run out of gas, so the Parks crew towed them back to shore. This can be a VERY expensive ride, so please think of someone you can call to tow you or bring you gas before you decide to call 911 for a non-emergency!
• On August 5 at 11:22 am six members were sent to a call of a gas leak in a Bentley alley. Crews had been working nearby and accidentally punctured a gas line. Firefighters evacuated the areas nearby and monitored the gas levels while awaiting ATCO crews. The scene was then left in ATCO's care.
• At 1:55 pm on August 10 six members responded to an alarms ringing call at a Bentley residence near the schools. There have been several alarms calls there in the past and the resident met the crews at the door mentioning it was a false alarm due to a cooking incident. We would like to remind homeowners to please monitor your phones so the alarm company can contact you after an alarm has been triggered. This may prevent emergency crews having to be sent out unnecessarily.
• And on August 13 at 10:09 pm crews arrived at a business in town where another alarm was ringing. No smoke was showing at the building's exterior and when the key holder arrived the interior was inspected and monitored with the TIC (thermal imaging camera). It had been a hot day and the building was very warm and had triggered the sensitive detector. This was also ruled a false alarm.

Thank you to all resident and visitors who attended RevMaster's Show-N-Shine and enjoyed our BFD concession. It was well attended as usual and we appreciate your support!

If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity we are looking for interested individuals who would like to make a difference in their community. Click here for more information.

This past month your fire department has responded to nine calls:

• On June 23 at 4:11 pm firefighters were called to a Bentley house to provide RCMP with PPE (personal protective equipment) for an investigation they were conducting. Two hours later crews were requested to return to the same home to carefully remove the resident, who had passed away earlier, under the direction of RCMP and the coroner.
• Mid afternoon on July 26 firefighters were sent as Mutual Aid to Eckville, to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident at an intersection in their area. Six members were sent along with Bentley Tender to provide the water supply.
• In the early afternoon of July 4th seven crews were sent out to an outside fire at a rural residence. Prohibited debris was being burned in an illegal burn pit, so firefighters extinguished the blaze with the assistance of Ponoka West, who had been called in to help.
• At noon on July 6th a call was received of a vehicle fire at the intersection of Highways #12 and #20. A garbage truck was involved and the bin's contents, recycling items, were on fire. The driver had wisely dumped the burning debris onto the paved shoulder and driven ahead a short distance. The pile was fully involved upon arrival, so traffic was carefully managed while the smoking garbage was extinguished and moved aside for removal.
• Early in the morning of July 7th eleven members raced to Woody Nook Road, south of Woody Nook Church. A vehicle travelling south had left the road and travelled some distance in the grassy ditch before hitting an approach and flipping onto its passenger side. The driver was conscious but trapped, so the vehicle was first stabilized then cut open with the shears and the occupant removed under the direction of attending EMS. The patient was sent by ambulance to the hospital and the scene was then released to the RCMP.
• On July 11 at 3:05 pm a call came in of an outside fire at the Bentley Cemetery. A controlled burn was being conducted with a burn permit in place and the caretaker had called prior to inform the fire department, but a concerned passerby had called 911 so crews are required to attend. A quick investigation and speaking with the caretaker assured all that everything was proceeding according to plan.
• At 4:17 pm on July 13 five members were sent to a Bentley residence where alarms were ringing. The BFD was stood down once the homeowner and alarm company were in contact and determined this was a false alarm.
• And shortly before midnight on July 14th twelve firefighters were sent to a machinery road north of Bentley where a vehicle was on fire. In the rainy muddy conditions the road was impassable for the fire trucks, so the neighbours who had reported the blaze, kindly offered a lift to the scene on their ATV. No one was in the truck, which had burned down considerably, so it was monitored for a time to ensure it would not spread to the surrounding trees, then left for RCMP who had been called in to investigate.

This July the Bentley District Fire Department received its new Rapid Response Unit. This truck will be used for extra crew transport as well as fire suppression and extrication purposes, especially useful in multi-vehicle accidents where more than one set of shears and spreaders are needed and timely assistance is vital. Thank you Lacombe County, it will be put to good use!

This past month, your fire department has been kept hopping with eleven emergencies to report:

• In the early morning hours of May 19, crews were summoned to a Bentley residence where alarms were ringing. The home was checked with the department's gas detector and no elevated levels were found, so the homeowner was given a new carbon monoxide detector to replace the faulty one.
• On May 22 firefighters were called to aid Eckville with a structure fire in their area. Crews were stood down once the situation was believed to be under control.
• At 4:04 pm on May 23 ten members responded to a call of a structure fire in Gull Lake Village. A vacant detached garage was on fire and members vented a window and set up a positive pressure fan to allow the smoke to be directed outside while the fire was being extinguished. The contents of the garage were brought outside and documented and the RCMP conducted their investigation.
• Mid afternoon on May 25 six firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on Woody Nook Road and Twp Rd 40-0. A wheel loader was discovered parked on the shoulder and fully engulfed. The driver had safely evacuated so firefighters worked on putting out the blaze, which had ignited the grass in the ditch. Traffic was controlled throughout, the fire was quickly extinguished, and the roadway cleaned up and fully reopened.
• Another alarms call was received shortly after lunch on May 26. A rural residence was affected this time, and some vacuum cleaner dust had activated the touchy alarm. Crews were stood down once the alarm company had been in contact with the homeowner.
• At 6:16 pm on May 29 twelve firefighters raced to the intersection of Highways 12 and 20, where three vehicles were involved in an accident. A southbound vehicle on Highway 20 and a westbound vehicle on Highway 12 had collided, sending one of them into an eastbound truck and trailer on the west side of the intersection. Heavy traffic was on the roads this time of day so it was managed in all 4 directions while EMS attended drivers and passengers, none of whom were seriously injured. Belongings were retrieved by crews, vehicles were towed and the glamourous work of cleaning up the highways was completed.
• Another Mutual Aid call was received on June 3 at 7:40 pm, this time to Lacombe for a structure fire. Our Tender was requested, and was stood down once the situation was under control.
• On June 4 at 1:10 pm five members responded to a call of a hit and run involving three bicyclists on Highway 771. The cyclists were heading north and the centre individual had been struck from behind by a silver Dodge truck with extended sideview mirrors. The individual was thrown into the ditch while the truck driver continued north without stopping. The conscious patient was cared for until EMS arrival and information relayed to RCMP to assist with their investigation.
• At 10:32 pm on June 10 nine firefighters were sent to Gull Lake Village. A house was on fire behind the Wooden Shoe. Upon arrival the home was fully engulfed and a thorough check with neighbours assured crews it was unoccupied so a defensive attack was implemented in order to save the threatened houses on either side. Mutual Aid from Lacombe Fire was requested and more crews quickly arrived to help. Over four hours later the fire was finally extinguished using water and foam. A fire investigation is being conducted.
• On June 12, shortly after midnight, crews were called to an outside fire at a rural location south of Bentley. This was called in by a neighbouring landowner who was concerned about it spreading. As this fire was in an inaccessible location the person attending it was asked to put it out. The RCMP arrived on scene and the BFD left the incident in their command.
• And at 11:30 am on June 20 several members were called to the scene of a large outside fire on the property adjoining Sunset Legion Campground on the northwest side of Gull Lake. A massive load of dry leaves had been dumped over decades worth of rotted stumps, debris and actual bagged garbage over a steep, 30 foot embankment near the shore. This huge mess took several hours of filthy work to spread out and extinguish with the help of Moore's Backhoe Service (thanks Ross!) Rimbey Fire Department was called out to assist and we appreciate their help. Efforts were somewhat hampered by the steep terrain and dense tree and brush cover. Hopefully this will bring some attention to the blight on this otherwise beautiful area!

This past month has been exceptionally busy for your fire department:

• In the afternoon of April 24 eight members responded to a call of an outside fire northwest of town near Rimbey. The small fire was put out and the surrounding area soaked to prevent a re-kindle.
• On April 25 at 1:50 am twelve crews were sent to a structure fire east of the Wooden Shoe on Highway #12. The old vacant house was fully engulfed, so Lacombe and Blackfalds departments were called in to assist. The house was too far gone to save therefore a defensive attack was in order to protect homes nearby. The fire was finally extinguished several hours later and the building was pulled apart and hot spots put out. Thanks to DB Bobcat who helped with the knockdown.
• At 1:19 am on April 27 members were called to a rural residence south of town to assist EMS with an unconscious patient. CPR was administered for over 40 minutes but the exhaustive efforts were to no avail as unfortunately the individual passed away at the scene.
• About suppertime on April 29 a call came in of a grassfire at a rural property on Woody Nook Road and Highway #12. This was a monitored burn in a cultivated field, the fire was allowed to burn out and left in the care of the landowner.
• On May 3 at 10:26 am firefighters were sent to a farm south of town on Highway #20 where a controlled burn was in progress. All permits and safety precautions were in place however the wind changed direction and the fire ignited some straw bales nearby. When the situation became somewhat unmanageable the supervisor wisely called 911 for assistance. Crews extinguished the burning piles and broke apart the burning bales, then thoroughly soaked all surrounding areas.
• Just before 7 am on May 4 ten crews attended the scene of a vehicle fire on Range Road 1-2 just south of town. A truck was discovered upside-down and burning in the west ditch. No occupants were found inside the vehicle and a search of the area revealed nothing. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and RCMP conducted their investigation.
• On May 6 at 1:03 pm an alarms ringing call came in. A Bentley home was involved but crews were stood down en route once the alarm company clarified it as a false alarm.
• May 7 won the prize for the BFD's busiest day as five calls came in between lunch and (late) supper:

1. At 12:11 pm an outside fire call sent eight members to Aspen Beach's day use area where a family was enjoying a wiener roast over an open fire. As there was a burn ban on during this time the fire was extinguished.
2. A call came in at 1:30 pm of a plane crash the Eckville area, Bentley was requested to help. As firefighters neared the location they were stood down as the Eckville Fire Department had the situation under control.
3. At 3:07 pm another call of an outside fire was received; same day use area, almost exactly same location. Again, the campfire was put out and the new family informed of the POSTED fire ban. Conservation officers were now present to help educate users.
4. Ten crews responded to the next call which was received at 5:22 pm Yet again a fire was spotted in the Ebeling day use area. This time members arrived to find a family legally using a portable propane fire pit. We ask people to PLEASE check what they are reporting before they call 911!
5. And finally, at 7:27 pm firefighters were sent to a motorcycle accident on Highway #12, just east of RR 28-4. The motorcyclist appeared to have hit some loose gravel on the shoulder and lost control, ending up in the grassy ditch. Firefighters assisted EMS with the patient who was loaded into a waiting ambulance for the trip to hospital.

• On May 13 at 5:40 pm crews responded to another vehicle fire, this time on Highway 20 south of town. A southbound car had caught fire, forcing the driver to pull to the shoulder and quickly exit to the safety of the grassy ditch. The burning vehicle was extinguished but the cause of the fire was unknown, RCMP conducted their investigation while the BFD controlled traffic and helped clean the roadway of debris until they were released. 

These past two months has seen the BFD called out to a variety of emergencies:

• On February 13 ten members were called to assist EMS with a Bentley resident. The patient was carefully moved from the home to a waiting ambulance for the trip to hospital.
•      At 3:58 pm on February 18 crews responded to an alarms ringing call in town. The homeowner met firefighters at the door and confirmed with them it was a false alarm.
•      In the early morning hours of February 21 twelve members responded to a call of a fire on a rural property south of town. RCMP had requested help to put out an unattended bonfire. The fire was extinguished before it could spread.
•      On February 27 at 2:18 pm Bentley was called to assist Lacombe with an outside fire in their area. This turned out to be a controlled burn.
•      On February 29 eleven members were called out to a rural residence west of town on Highway #12. A driver had been experiencing a medical issue and had pulled into the nearest driveway to wait for help. An ambulance was called and the patient was attended to until EMS arrival.

     An Ice Rescue course was hosted by the Bentley Fire Department on March 6th and 7th with help from instructors from Bentley and Lacombe fire departments. This was well attended by firefighters from Bentley, Lacombe, Rimbey and Ponoka County. Plenty of new rescue skills were acquired by all and fun was involved!

•      In the early afternoon of March 14 members were called out to Birch Bay for a medical assist. RCMP and EMS were on the scene when firefighters arrived and CPR was in progress so crews were released.
•      On March 27 at 4:13 am eight members were summoned to a bale fire on Highway #20 and Rainy Creek Road. A helpful passerby had called 911 before the single bale could ignite nearby buildings. The fire was extinguished with water and foam and a perimeter was raked to prevent spreading. The bale was torn apart and soaked thoroughly to minimize re-ignition.
•      At 6:38 pm on March 28 twelve firefighters raced to Aspen Beach where a vehicle was reported to have fallen through the ice. The locked gate needed to be breached in order to access the motorist who was stranded close to shore. The front wheels had indeed dropped through, but was sitting on the lake bottom about 8 inches below. The out-of-town driver's vehicle was winched out by a local towing company.
•      About 4:30 pm on April 18 thirteen members were sent to a Mutual Aid call to Lacombe for a grassfire on Woody Nook Road. The burning brush pile was extinguished with help from a handy dugout nearby. Immediately after this fire, the crews were sent into Lacombe to help with a structure fire. A parked vehicle and detached garage were involved and the nearby house was being threatened. The fire was knocked down and an interior search was conducted. No one was hurt and the house sustained only minor exterior damage, but the garage and vehicle were destroyed. BFD were released from the house fire only to be called out to another grassfire, this time between Range Roads #28-3 and 28-4, south of Twp Rd #40-0. A very long swath of partially-burned logs and brush had re-ignited from a much-earlier controlled burn. Sixteen members worked to extinguish this fire in dangerously windy conditions.

The Bentley District Fire Department has been blessed with several new members! Joining us this past fall is firefighter Stillman Taylor. In the last few months we have been excited to add firefighters Carson Schneider, Natasha Pitcher, Robert Hildebrandt, Erin Vert, Dawn Dojahn and Jody Buck. Welcome to the department, we thank you for your willingness to volunteer your time and effort!

And a farewell to firefighter Greg Holdstock who has been an extremely dependable and valuable member to us for the past two years. We are sorry to see you go but wish you great success with your new career in the military! 

This has been a fairly quiet month for your fire department with only four calls to report;

• About 2 pm on January 21, seven members were sent to the scene of a single-vehicle accident on Highway #20 near RR #1-4. The car had left the road and gone straight into the ditch. The driver appeared to have had a medical issue and was helped to the waiting ambulance for further assessment.
• In the early morning hours of January 27, firefighters were called to a residence in Lake Trail Estates. EMS requested help with an unconscious patient who was then carefully packaged and loaded for the trip to the hospital.
• On February 6 at 8:42 am, crews drove to the scene of a vehicle fire on RR #1-0 near Twp Rd #40-2. One truck was fully engulfed upon arrival, but fortunately no one was trapped inside. The fire was brought under control and eventually extinguished, so RCMP could investigate the scene.
• And at 7:54 pm on February 11, a call was received of a 2-vehicle accident on Highway #20 south of Twp Rd 41-4. A southbound car had collided with a northbound truck and damage was extensive. The occupants of the truck appeared to sustain minor injuries, while the driver of the car was cared for on the scene until EMS arrival. Traffic in both directions was stopped for some time until the RCMP finished their investigation. The vehicles were removed, then the roadway was cleaned up and traffic allowed to resume. Thank you to the witnesses who kindly stopped to help until emergency crews arrived.

We appreciate your patience as drivers when we are on the scene of a traffic accident. The highway is a dangerous place to work, especially at night when visibility is poor. Please respect our members monitoring traffic and working on the scene. We all want to get where we need to be in a timely fashion and we want everyone to do so safely.

This past month your fire department has attended six emergencies:

• In the early evening on Christmas Day members responded to a call for mutual aid from Eckville Fire Department. A rural residence was on fire and a short while later Bentley was stood down as Eckville had the situation under control.
• On December 26 at 3:58 am eight firefighters were sent to a single-vehicle accident on Highway #12, just west of RR 1-1. A van had left the road and gotten stuck in the south ditch. The driver had self-extricated and was examined by EMS while RCMP conducted their investigation.
• Around suppertime on December 28 members were summoned to a home in Gull Lake Village where alarms were ringing. The tenant had an problem with the wood stove damper and the issue was soon resolved.
• At 2:53 pm on December 29 crews were sent to a structure fire at a rural residence. Eckville Fire Department was called on for mutual aid as a precaution, then stood down once the incident became manageable. The house had filled with smoke due to another wood stove incident, so the homeowner evacuated and called 911. Once the smoke cleared firefighters thoroughly inspected it using the thermal imaging camera and gas meter and the resident was able to move back in.
• On January 10 at 6:56 am a call was received of alarms ringing at a rural business. Crews stood down once the alarm company called to report it a false alarm.
• And on January 12 at 10:22 pm seven members were sent to Lake Trail Estates where yet another alarm was ringing. A neighbour had heard the commotion and called 911. An unoccupied mobile home was involved and the owner was unreachable, so firefighters gained entry and checked the unit for elevated levels of carbon monoxide and signs of heat and smoke. None were found, so the home was re-secured and management informed before crews left the scene.

Bentley District Fire Department has had a remarkably busy year!

 In 2015 we responded to 90 emergencies. These included:

21- Alarms Ringing
2- Structure Fire
15- Mutual Aid
27- Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
12- Medical
10- Outside Fire
2- Gas Leak Investigation
1- Boat Fire

We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy 2016!

What Does That Flashing Green Light Mean?

Most Alberta drivers are familiar with the flashing red emergency lights and sirens on ambulances, police cars and fire trucks, and law states that they are required to pull to the right and stop when they see or hear them coming. But not everyone knows about the volunteer Firefighter's flashing green light.

In large cities, emergency vehicles are driven by full-time personnel who use red lights and sirens to get to the emergency scene quickly.

For smaller communities and in rural areas fire protection is provided by volunteers, who most often respond to emergencies in their own private vehicle. These vehicles do not have red lights or sirens to make them stand out from any other car or truck.

When a call comes in, a firefighter may be at his or her regular job, out with the family or sleeping in the middle of the night. They drop everything and immediately respond to the fire hall to drive the fire trucks to the scene.

The flashing green light, usually mounted near the rearview mirror, is used as an identifier to the drivers of other vehicles so they may, as a courtesy, give up their right-of-way and allow the firefighter to get to the hall unhampered.
     
If you see a vehicle with a flashing green light you now know it's one of us on our way to help someone in our community. Please let us by as soon as it is safe to do so...Remember, the life or property we are trying to save may be that of a friend, a neighbour or even your own!

This past month your fire department has been called out to nine emergencies:

• Early in the morning on November 25th nine members were sent to help Eckville Fire Department with a structure fire in their area. The home was fully involved upon arrival, but all occupants were out, so the fire was kept from spreading and finally extinguished.
• Later that same afternoon firefighters responded to a medical assist call in Bentley. CPR was performed on the patient until EMS arrival then crews assisted with loading the patient for the trip to the hospital.
• At 7:12 pm on November 26 nine members were called to help Eckville with another structure fire. The old house had sawdust insulation in the attic space, which was smoking heavily. The residents had exited the building and firefighters doused the trouble spots from the roof and chimney areas.
• Later that night crews were sent to an emergency at a rural residence. The occupant was having issues with the thermostat and the house was becoming hotter and hotter. The issue was resolved for the night and the homeowner was advised to have a professional look at the system the next day.
• In the evening on December 2 firefighters raced to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident on Highway #20, just south of Highway #12. A northbound and southbound vehicle collided, with one going down a steep embankment and one hitting the guardrail after the collision. Both drivers were out of their vehicles and miraculously not seriously injured. Traffic had to be carefully controlled in the dark while awaiting tow trucks, then the highway was cleaned up and re-opened.
• On December 15th crews were called to a residence in Sunbreaker Cove where alarms were ringing. Members were stood down en route once a false alarm was ascertained.
• A few hours later firefighters were sent to the Westview Apartments where a resident had collapsed and lay on the floor unable to move for quite some time before a neighbour heard cries for help. Crews assisted EMS with carefully loading the patient into an ambulance to be taken to hospital.
• On December 17 a call was received of alarms ringing, this time at a Bentley home. Eight members responded to what turned out to be a false alarm.
• And mid morning on December 18 crews were called back to Westview Apartments where another resident had collapsed. Firefighters assisted EMS with loading the patient, who was now conscious, into the ambulance for the trip to the hospital.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter? If you are 16 years of age or older, The Bentley District. Fire Department would like to invite you to our Recruitment Open House, for interested volunteers only, which will be held at the fire hall on January 23, 2016 from 10 am to 4 pm. Come and meet some of our members and learn more about what we do.

We look forward to meeting you and explaining this opportunity!

Your Fire Department has been kept busy this month with eight calls to report:

•  Shortly after midnight on October 21 nine members responded to a mutual aid call from Lacombe for a structure fire in town. A single family home was fully involved upon arrival but all residents were safely out, so the fire was kept from spreading to the neighbouring houses until it was finally extinguished. Crews spent 3 1/2 hours working until they were released by the LFD.
• At 8:13 am on October 24 a call came in of an accident at the intersection of Highways #12 and #20. Two vehicles were involved and both drivers were cared for until EMS arrival. Traffic was managed during the morning commute and the roadway was cleaned up and then re-opened.
• On October 25 at 3:56 pm eight members were called to a rural residence south of town where an older gentleman had reportedly been kicked in the ribs by a cow. Crews were stood down en route as the situation became manageable.
• At 4:28 pm on October 27 thirteen members raced to the scene of a large hay barn fire at a dairy farm on Highway #12, across from the Lacombe County office buildings. Bentley, Blackfalds and Clive Fire Departments assisted Lacombe FD in setting up portable ponds for rural water supply while Tenders were kept busy shuttling water to the scene. Traffic control was in place on the busy highway as there was plenty to see! The hay barn affected was adjacent to the highway with a thick treed area in between so firefighters created paths to run hose lines where they were needed. Fortunately the fire was kept from spreading to any of the many other buildings nearby. Bentley crews spent up to 13 hours on the scene before being released.
• On October 28 a call was received of alarms ringing at the Bentley High School. This was investigated and deemed a false alarm.
• Around suppertime on November 4 seven members responded to a Mutual Aid call from Eckville Fire Department. Crews were stood down en Route as Eckville had the situation under control.
• Half an hour later at 6:38 pm another Mutual Aid call was received, this time from Lacombe's fire department, to respond to a large brush fire on Lincoln Road, near the Lincoln Hall. A large pile of logs were on fire and threatening a treed area nearby. No one was monitoring this burn and it took a couple of hours to extinguish.
• And on November 6 at 2:51 am firefighters were summoned to a rural area west of Bentley, on RR 1-4 and Twp 41-0. A single vehicle accident had been reported, but upon arrival it was noted that the car affected simply would not start! The two occupants were checked by EMS and firefighters remained on scene until RCMP arrived to conduct their investigation.

Have you considered becoming involved in a fascinating, ever-changing and worthwhile volunteer opportunity? Bentley District Fire Department is looking for people willing to help friends and neighbours in their community. If this sounds like something that you would find interesting, click on the 'recruiting' tab or click this link: www.bentleyfire.ca/recruiting/

We look forward to meeting you!

Your fire department has been sent to several calls this past month:

• At 7:17 am on September 26 eleven members attended a single-vehicle accident scene on Woody Nook Road, across from the Woody Nook Church. A southbound truck had left the road and hit a power pole, breaking it off near its base, then plowed through a fence and hit a sizeable spruce tree head-on. The power pole was still energized so firefighters carefully searched the area for the driver who had self-extricated. RCMP located the driver about a mile further down the road. The scene was secured until the utility company was notified and the line de-energized.
• On October 10 at 5:10 pm crews were sent south of Bentley to a combine on fire. The farmers working the field had extinguished the fire, but it was checked with the thermal imaging camera and foam was used to smother the hot spots and prevent re-ignition.
• About suppertime on October 14 firefighters responded to a call of alarms ringing at a Bentley home. Crews were met at the door by the resident and were informed of a cooking mishap which had set off the smoke alarm. The house was checked over as a precaution then the scene was cleared.
• At 1:32 pm on October 15 a call was received of a 2-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highways #12 and #20 west of town. An eastbound car and a northbound truck with a pipe-loaded trailer had collided, injuring both drivers. The truck ended up in the east ditch, upside-down under the trailer which had spilled its contents. Leaking diesel was collected in a container to avoid contaminating the area. Traffic was helpfully controlled by Alberta Highways personnel and the scene was attended by several RCMP units. EMS tended to the patients, both of whom were sent by ambulance to hospital. The area was secured while the investigation was completed then firefighters cleaned up the highway before leaving the scene.
• And on October 18 at 12:35 am eight members were sent to a Mutual Aid call in Lacombe. A four-plex was on fire and crews from Lacombe, Bentley and Blackfalds were put to work. Fortunately, all the residents had been safely evacuated. Firefighters discovered two cats in one of the units and brought them safely out. Items from each unit were carefully removed before the fire could destroy them. The blaze was eventually extinguished and the homes thoroughly inspected for hidden hot spots, then the dirty work of overhaul was begun.

        Thanks to all of our friends and neighbours who attended Bentley Fire Department's Open House on October 13. We had lots of fun putting you in bunker gear and BA's and running you through our obstacle courses. You are a great bunch of good sports and we appreciate our community's support!

This past month your fire department has been dispatched to nine emergencies:

• On August 21 at 4:28 am a call came in of alarms ringing at a Bentley residence. Nine members responded to what turned out to be a false alarm.
• On the night of August 31 thirteen members responded to a vehicle fire on Aspelund Road, just west of Woody Nook Road. The car started smoking while in motion and was brought safely to the shoulder by the driver, who evacuated through the window as the door lock mechanism was by now not functioning. Firefighters worked for some time to extinguish the flames and quite a bit of foam was used to do so. The driver was shaken up but fortunately not injured.
• In the late evening on August 31 firefighters were called to an accident on Highway 12 and RR 1-1. A car driving westbound toward Bentley shot off the road and into a thick treed shelter belt. The vehicle was impossible to see from the road and upon closer inspection it was noted that the driver had self-extricated. With help from Lacombe Fire Department a search was conducted but no one was found. A tow truck was called to remove the embedded vehicle from the property.
• On September 1st members responded to an outside fire north of Aspelund Road on RR 1-1. Nine crews worked to contain a stubble fire which had apparently been started by hot machinery working the field. It was soon safely extinguished.
• A call on September 7 directed firefighters to Gull Lake where a watercraft was in distress near Meridian Beach. Alberta Parks were alerted so their rescue boat could be utilize, just as it was launched we were informed that a Good Samaritan had seen their plight and was towing them in. The two people on board had been unsuccessful in getting the motor to start.
• Shortly after suppertime on September 10 crews raced to a rural residence where a youngster had been struck by debris ejected by a lawnmower. A STARS landing zone setup had been requested but upon arrival it was established travel by ambulance was sufficient. The child was later transported by air ambulance to Calgary and was thankfully doing much better by the next day.
• On September 15 seven members attended the scene of a vehicle fire on Twp Rd 41-0, west of Bentley. A truck reported stolen had been set on fire and abandoned near a well site. Firefighters put out the smoking remains so it could be safely towed off the property.
• At 4:28 pm on September 18 crews were sent to a business in Bentley where a natural gas line had been compromised. ATCO Gas crews were on site to fix the issue and firefighters stood by ready to contain issues if they arose. Fortunately the process was completed without further incident.
• And on September 21 at about 11 am a call was received of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway #12 and RR 28-2. A fully loaded gravel truck and pup trailer heading west on the highway had collided with a pickup truck and empty trailer which had been attempting to cross it. A safe working area around the scene was set up and traffic had to be carefully managed while the two drivers were attended to. No life-threatening injuries were sustained although EMS carefully assessed and advised them. Firefighters then cleaned up the highway so traffic flow could be restored.

Bentley District Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, October 13 from 6-8 p.m. If you have wondered what we do on our training nights every Monday then come on over to the Fire Hall and have a look. We will have lots of fun activities for kids and adults too. Find out what being a firefighter is really like!

We are looking forward to seeing you all there!  

This has been an unusually quiet month for your fire department:

• On July 29 at 2:24 pm firefighters were sent to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident at the entrance to Brewer's Campground on Highway #12 east of town. A vehicle turning into the campground had been struck from behind by a truck and was heavily damaged. Fortunately the four occupants were not badly hurt and the lone driver of the truck also escaped serious injury. Traffic was carefully controlled while the patients were cared for awaiting EMS arrival. None required transport to hospital.
• Around suppertime on July 30, a call came in of an ATV accident in Bentley. The driver of the quad had rolled the vehicle over and had hit the pavement headfirst. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a helmet and sustained quite a few injuries. Members carefully prevented him from moving until the ambulance arrived to transport him to the hospital. The accident area was cleaned up after RCMP released the scene.
• In the early morning hours of August 2, ten members were sent to a residence in the Sylvan Lake area where alarms were sounding. The alarm appeared to have been tampered with, setting it off. No elevated levels of any gases were detected on the monitor so the whole house was inspected before giving the all-clear. The homeowner was advised to have the system checked by a professional.
• On August 8 at 2:23 pm a medical assist was requested on the main street in Bentley. Several firefighters left their posts at the Show-n-Shine barbecue to help a patient who was experiencing an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Members aided the patient until EMS arrived to administer further care.
• And on August 11 at 1:46 am crews were alerted to an outside fire on RR 1-4, just north of Highway #12 west of Bentley. Citizens concerned about the blaze called 911 and summoned RCMP as well as the fire department. It appeared that some young people were enjoying a bonfire in the woods. The fire was extinguished before it could spread to the nearby trees.

All of us at Bentley District Fire Department had a wonderful time at Bentley's Centennial Rodeo weekend. A huge thank you to all who
came by to visit us at the Show-n-Shine and have a bite to eat at our concession- your support of our volunteers is greatly appreciated!

Your fire department has been kept hopping this past month with all manner of emergencies:

• Over the lunch hour a call came in of a single vehicle accident at RR 28-3 and Twp 39-0. Crews were stood down as all occupants were safely out of the vehicle and all roadways were clear.
• On June 28 at 8:36 am Firefighters were alerted to alarms ringing at a rural residence. This was determined to be a false alarm and crews were stood down en route.
• Early in the morning of June 28 members responded to a mutual aid call from Eckville, whose department was on its way to a structure fire in their area, at Hwy #12 and RR 4-0. Bentley was stood down once Eckville had their emergency under control.
• On July 2 at 9:15 am a call was received of alarms ringing at a residence in Sunbreaker Cove. The homeowner was at home and informed us the incident was due to burned food and this was ruled a false alarm.
• At 6:31 pm on July 11 nine members were sent to Bentley's Transfer Station where burning items in the burn pit jumped the berm and ignited the grass in the south ditch, traveling to the west. This was extinguished before it could continue further.
• An hour later the same evening members rushed to the aid of Lacombe who was busy with a vehicle fire on Hwy #2  just south of Hwy #12 near Fraserway RV.
• On July 12 at suppertime seven members were sent to an alarms call at a cabin in Sunbreaker Cove. The homeowners were contacted and we were informed this was a little cooking mishap and again, ruled a false alarm.
• At 5:29 pm on July 12 eight members were sent to another alarms call at a rural residence. This time the smoke alarm was triggered by some renovation work being done nearby. The homeowner contacted the alarm company and we were stood down.
• On the morning of July 16 firefighters responded to a call of a vehicle fire on RR 1-1, just north of Aspelund Road. A truck had been dumped and set on fire. No one was inside but the burning vehicle was threatening the crop field nearby and was doused with water and foam and was extinguished.
• And on July 19 at 4:13 pm five members attended the scene of a motorcycle vs deer collision on Hwy #12, just west of RR 2-4. The rider had been struck and admirably managed to bring the bike to a stop without crashing. Firefighters monitored the patient and managed the traffic until EMS arrived. The rider was taken to hospital with possible broken bones, but in remarkably good spirits! Thank you to the people who were first on this scene and stopped to help and provide information for us.

The Bentley District Fire Department is looking forward to meeting all our friends and neighbours, as well as visitors to Bentley, at our upcoming Centennial! Please look for us on Saturday, August 8 at the Show-n-Shine near the grain elevator. We will be serving a delicious lunch from 10 am to 2 pm. We'd love to see you there!

This past month the BFD has attended several calls:

•  On May 19 at 4:42 pm nine members responded to a mutual aid call from Lacombe Fire Department. Two hours were spent battling a structure fire in that city.
• In the early morning hours of May 20 firefighters assisted Sylvan Lake EMS in driving a Bentley patient to hospital in Red Deer.
• Midmorning on May 26 thirteen members were sent to help Lacombe with an outside fire. Crews were stood down en route as the situation became manageable.
• On May 27 firefighters responded to a call of alarms ringing at a rural business. Members were stood down once a false alarm had been ascertained.
• Shortly after noon on May 29 crews were sent to the Bentley Transfer Station where the compacted material in one of the burn pits had self-ignited. The site supervisor noticed smoke issuing from the pile and, knowing a burn ban was in place, called 911. The fire had grown quickly and the pit was fully involved upon arrival and took some time to extinguish.
• A Structural Search and Rescue course was hosted in May by the BFD. An older unused residence was kindly made available to members of Lacombe, Eckville and Bentley fire departments. Various scenarios were practiced in order to be better prepared in an actual emergency.
• In the early evening of June 3 firefighters raced to the scene of a one-vehicle accident on Highway #12 near RR 28-3. A westbound vehicle had hit some loose gravel on the shoulder and lost control, flipping several times and coming to rest on its side in the south ditch. The driver had to be cut free and was carefully extricated then turned over to the care of EMS. Highway traffic was carefully managed throughout the procedure and the patient was sent to the hospital. Thank you to the witnesses and those first on the scene who remained to help.
• On June 4 at 1:01 pm a call was received of alarms ringing at a rural residence. Crews were stood down once the homeowner had been contacted and a false alarm was determined. A cooking incident was the cause.
• And at 10:34 am on June 11 members responded to another alarms call at another rural home. Firefighters stood down once again after contacting the homeowner and confirming a false alarm.

Have you considered volunteering?

Bentley District Fire Department is looking for committed individuals who are interested in serving their community. If this is a position in which you can see yourself please visit our recruiting page for more information.

We would love to hear from you!

This spring your fire department has been kept very busy:

• At 4:33 pm on March 16 crews were sent to a residence in Sunbreaker Cove where alarms were ringing. Firefighters were stood down en route as it was determined to be a false alarm.
• On March 18 around suppertime ten members went again to the same home where the alarms were sounding. Another false alarm was determined.
• On April 3 nine firefighters rushed to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident at an intersection in Bentley. Fortunately there were no apparent injuries and both drivers were out of their vehicles upon BFD's arrival. The roadway was cleaned up and traffic flow restored.
• Shortly after noon on April 7 six members went to another alarms call, this time in Gull Lake Village. The homeowners were doing renovations near their smoke alarm, triggering it. This was deemed another false alarm.
• On April 12 at 5:15 pm twelve firefighters raced to help Lacombe Fire Department, who were already busy fighting a grassfire, with a 2-house fire in their city. The houses were both fully engulfed and no people were trapped inside so all the firefighters concentrated their efforts on saving the neighbouring homes. 5 hours were spent battling this blaze.
• Midafternoon the next day fourteen members were called to a rural property where fence repair welding resulted in a grassfire. The fire was extinguished, helped along by two bobcats which were handily on scene. The BFD soaked down the area to prevent re-ignition.
• Shortly after 9 that same evening crews were sent to a single-motorcycle accident on Highway #12 and RR 28-4. The driver had left the road and sailed into the ditch. The patient had some minor injuries but was conscious and was cared for until EMS arrived. Traffic was carefully managed until the scene was cleared.
• On April 23 at 1:56 pm Mutual Aid was requested by Lacombe FD for an outside fire in their area. Our Tender (water truck) and firefighters spent four hours shuttling water to the scene until the burn was extinguished.
• Crews attended a grassfire on April 30 on RR 1-0 just north of Aspelund Road. A burn barrel had apparently re-ignited and spread to the adjacent field, fortunately passing by the residence. Crews fought the burn until it was completely out.
• On the morning of May 5 the BFD was sent to Aspelund Road just east of Highway #20 where a car and concrete truck had collided. The driver of the truck received minor injuries and the car's driver was taken by STARS to the hospital. Morning commuters had to wait for a bit as some firefighters were busy cutting open the vehicle and extricating the patient while others set up a landing zone on the highway for STARS.
• On May 7 the Bentley Transfer Station had some excitement as the ignited burn pit travelled further than was intended and set the adjacent field on fire. Members extinguished the blaze and the area is greening up nicely.
• Another fire was reported on May 9, this time on Highway #771 north of town. An old abandoned house was ablaze and upon the BFD's arrival a huge mushroom cloud of flame erupted. No one was hurt but after the fire was put out two large drums of flammable liquid were discovered inside.
• Later that same day the BFD were sent to assist EMS with a patient in Bentley.
• Another single-motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Highway #12 and RR 28-4 on May 10. Crews tended to the driver and established safe traffic flow until the patient was evaluated by EMS and sent by ambulance to Lacombe hospital.
• On May 12 at 3:05 am, eleven members responded to a call for Mutual Aid in Eckville, where two tanks were on fire at a trucking company. Crews were stood down while en route as the situation became manageable.
• At 3:27 am on May 16 firefighters attended an accident at Lakeview Campground. The vehicle lost control and struck a tree, injuring the four occupants. Members assisted EMS with the patients, one of which was sent to hospital.
• At 9:47 that same morning a call was received of alarms ringing at a Bentley residence. The homeowner was consulted and this too was ruled a false alarm.
• And at 5:58 pm the same day eleven members went back to the abandoned house on Highway #771 where the previously extinguished fire had re-ignited. The sawdust insulation inside was completely removed, spread out and covered with foam to smother the entire area.

On May 11 we had some fun at Camp L.G. Barnes instructing the counsellors on the use of fire extinguishers. We all had a great time and hope to continue this annual training event.

Spring is here!! We at the Bentley District Fire Department always have a great time with the Kindergarten classes who come for their Fire Hall tours this time of year. Thanks for the visits, we hope you have learned some interesting things!

It’s that time of year again that people may be looking at burning unwanted rubbish or yard waste.

It is very important that the residents in the town of Bentley understand what is allowed to be burned and when.
Please be aware of the bylaws that have been put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of the town residents. Here are a few bylaw excerpts to help.
If you are a resident of Lacombe County, a fire permit must be acquired as of April 1. Please go to www.lacombecounty.com for more information.
If you must burn, please burn safe.

BY-LAW NO. 100/06
Garbage collection and disposal bylaw

7.    Burning Regulations

7.1    Burning is permitted only in metal barrels or drums or incinerators.

7.2    No person shall burn or be responsible for the burning of any rubber, leather, bones, tar paper, treated wood products, plastic or any other material emitting hazardous fumes or an offensive odor, within the limits of the Town of Bentley at any time.

7.3    No person shall burn or be responsible for the burning of any waste, refuse or garbage before sunrise and after sunset on any day of the week and not on Sunday, Monday, or on any recognized holiday.

7.4    Any person who burns is entirely responsible to ensure that the burning takes place without danger to other properties or inconvenience to neighbouring properties and the Town shall in no way be held responsible for any damage or inconvenience experienced.

By-law No. 165/2013
Community Standards By-law

SECTION I – AIR QUALITY

No person shall engage in any activity that is likely to allow smoke, dust or other airborne matter to disturb other people located in adjacent or near-by properties.

By-law No. 128/2008

10. Recreation Fires (Fire Pits and Barbeques)

a)   Recreational Fires are permitted, subject to the following specifications;

• a required minimum of 3.3 metres (10 feet) clearance, measured from the nearest fire pit edge to building, property line or other combustible materials
• the height does not exceed 0.6 metres (23.4 inches) when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening
• the pit opening does not exceed 1 metre (39 inches) in width or in diameter when    measured between the widest points or the outside edge
• it is constructed of enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete blocks, heavy      gauge metal or other suitable non-combustible material
• it must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult person over the age of 18 until such time as the fire has been completely extinguished. For the purposes of this clause, a fire shall be deemed to include hot ashes and smoldering embers resulting from the fire.
•  it has a spark arrester mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 centimetres (.75 inch), constructed of expanded metal (or equivalent) to cover the fire pit opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce the hazard of airborne sparks
• only wood, charcoal briquettes, manufactured fire logs, fireplace pellets, propane or natural gas are used
• the flames do not exceed a height of 91 centimetres (3 feet) above the barbeque or fire pit

15. Illegal Fires
a)    Any Enforcement Officer or Member or Employee of the Town may extinguish an illegal fire using whatever apparatus or procedure, at his sole discretion, is deemed appropriate
b)    The costs of controlling or extinguishing any illegal fire shall be recovered from the person causing the illegal fire.

This past month your department has been kept busy with various emergencies as well as special training courses.

• Shortly after 11 pm on January 23 eleven members were called to an accident on Highway #12 east of RR 1-0. An eastbound tool truck had hit some loose snow along the ditch, veered across the westbound lane and flipped onto its side blocking both lanes of the highway. The driver was already out of the vehicle upon arrival, so the highway was kept closed until tow trucks could right the truck and tow it away. In the meantime, spilled oil and fuel was carefully cleaned up and the road cleared of debris.
• On February 23 at 8:30 pm a call was received stating smoke was seen coming from the new fire hall. Crews reported to the hall to see the building shrouded in an eerie fog which may have deceived the caller. An investigation was quickly conducted there as well as the old hall as a precaution. Fortunately, this turned out to be a false alarm.
• At 1:54 pm on February 7 the BFD were called to assist Lacombe Fire Department with a snowmobile accident at Woody Nook Road and Aspelund Road. Crews were stood down on route once Lacombe had the situation managed.
•  At 5:14 am on February 9 firefighters were sent to a 2-vehicle accident on Highway #20 and Aspelund Road. A southbound truck towing a trailer loaded with a skid steer had been hit from behind by a semi. Debris littered the highway so it was closed briefly while crews cleared the area. Both drivers were checked by EMS and fortunately no injuries were sustained.
• Midafternoon on February 14 crews were called to assist EMS at a residence in Bentley.

The Bentley Fire Department recently completed their Ice Rescue Certification, held on February 14 and 15, which took place at Sandy Point on Gull Lake. With a large portion of Gull Lake as well as Sylvan Lake falling within the Bentley District Fire Department response area it is important that we are prepared for all emergency situations that may arise, which could include ice/water responses.
Coincidently, within 2 hours of the ice rescue course ending, a call came in for a cold water rescue. Three people,
two of them children, reported being trapped in a vehicle in the ice near Gull Lake Village. Upon our arrival, it was discovered their SUV, which had left the ice road, had gotten stuck in some deep snow and not fallen through the ice as was reported.
 
If you are willing to risk traveling on our frozen lakes please ensure you are prepared for whatever may come your way. Some tow truck operators will not venture onto the ice to pull you out if you are stuck. We want nothing more than to have all our friends, neighbours, and visitors stay safe during their winter activities!

This past month your fire department has responded to several emergencies;

• In the early afternoon on December 21 crews were called to the scene of a horrific accident on a very icy Highway #20 just south of Rimbey. A northbound vehicle appeared to have lost control and struck a southbound one, trapping some occupants inside. Firefighters from Bentley and Rimbey worked to cut open the vehicles and carefully extricate the individuals. Injuries were severe and patients were sent by ambulance to hospitals in Rimbey and Red Deer, as well as by STARS to Calgary. Sadly, three people of the six involved succumbed to their injuries.
• At 10:50 pm on Christmas Day thirteen members responded to a call of alarms ringing at a rural residence on Centreview Road northwest of Bentley. Elevated levels of carbon monoxide were discovered so the homeowner was advised to leave the house unoccupied until gas and utilities were checked and the unknown cause repaired by a professional.
• On December 27 at 1:26 pm firefighters were called again to Highway #20 south of Rimbey where a northbound semi pulling a Frac unit had left the road and driven into the east side ditch, hitting two approaches then veering across the highway and going through a fence before coming to rest, well into a field, on the west side. Fortunately no one was driving south on the highway at the time. The driver refused medical treatment and BFD crews carefully managed traffic on the slippery road until cleanup was complete.
• And on January 10 at 7:05 am a call came in of a vehicle which was discovered overturned in the ditch on Highway #12 near Lakeview Campground. It appeared a westbound vehicle had run off the road and rolled into the ditch. The car was on its roof and no occupants were in or around the vehicle so the TIC (thermal imaging camera) was used to search the area. No one was found in the vicinity so the early morning traffic was delayed briefly while firefighters taped off the vehicle and then left the investigation in the hands of the RCMP.