M.D. of Taber Regional Fire Service
5814 64 Ave T1G 2B9 Taber, AB, Canada

A report of a 2 vehicle MVC at the intersection of Range Road 17-1 and Highway 3 sent Station 4 & 7 units out this afternoon. No injuries were reported. Highway traffic was reduced to a single lane for approximately 30 minutes while the vehicles were towed from the scene.... All units have cleared the scene and have returned to Stations.

Regional Fire Service Class 12 NFPA 1001 level 1 course spent Thursday evening at the Regional Fire Service Training Centre in Vauxhall undertaking practical skills training on hydrant operations, SCBA, search and rescue, interior fire attack and ventilation. A good night of training as the volunteer firefighters work towards their Level 1 testing in March.

This afternoon at 3:38 p.m. Stations 4 & 7 were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire located north of Highway 3 on Range Road 15-5 in the Fincastle area. All Station 4 and 7 units were dispatched and a second alarm was called to Station 2 (Grassy Lake) for an all unit response. AHS EMS also responded in support. Upon arrival Sierra 4-1 confirmed a working structure fire in a one story residence with heavy smoke from the eves, furnace exhaust and other buil...ding openings. Following the thorough 360 degree survey performed by the Duty Officer it was determined that the fire was located in the basement. Engine 7-3 - the first arriving Engine Company - was directed to perform an interior attack into the basement. The initial interior attack team found heavy smoke and high heat and began the attack on the fire from the moment they entered the basement and began a methodical extinguishment of the stubborn fire which was well seated before the fire services arrival. Upon arrival Engine 2-2 and Engine 4-2 assigned additional teams to interior attack and the fire was fully extinguished. Additional water was provided by local water haulers. Many thanks for your help. A special thanks to the Station 2 Firefighters who performed in their typically professional way. You guys were awesome. The fire is under investigation. All units are back in service at 8:36 p.m.

Wind gusts reported to be in excess of 137 km/hr resulted in 3 calls for service today. The first at 9:45 a.m. was a semi-truck trailer combination rollover on highway 36 south near Township Road 9-0. The second a downed power line and grass fire at Range Road 16-3 and Township Road 9-1.... The third a downed power line at Range Road 16-5 and Township Road 10-4. All units back in service.

Always great to work with our Brothers and Sisters.

On January 10, 2020, 1 year ago Station 5 responded to a 2 vehicle accident south of Vauxhall involving 10 people with 4 fatalities. This response and rescue w...as a team effort from multiple Fire (Station 4) & EMS agencies including air support from HALO, STARS and RCMP moving 6 injured people from scene out in the middle of nowhere to area hospitals. In this past year I received many phones calls and messages of thanks from family and friends of both the survivors and the deceased. As well, a few FB photos from one of the survivors who was severely injured now walking and physically back to normal. A father, Uncle and Grandmother of one of the young men travelled 8 hours to come to Vauxhall to say thank you, share a handshake, some hugs and to lay the metal cross you see on the right. The young mans co-workers stopped by after they all returned to work and dressed the cross with a safety vest & hard hat. Back in the spring of 2020 the cross on the left was placed in memory of all 4 young men that lost their lives. It is there so family & friends had somewhere to come to say their goodbyes and to remember them. Recently in November someone also stopped by and decorated the crosses with flowers. Thank you to Lt. John Martens for making the cross from the ideas I shared. In the face of tragedy and adversity many heroes stepped forward that cold Friday morning. If it wasn’t for all of you the fatality count would have been higher. A special thank you to the co-workers that were following behind in other vehicles and other bystanders that assisted. I hope with time you are healing mentally as well, we all saw, heard and did a lot that -20 morning.

Regional Fire Service live vehicle fire training was conducted on Thursday evening with 13 volunteer firefighters from Stations 2, 4, 5 and 7 who are working to complete their NFPA 1001 Level 1 course putting their practical skills to test. A few more weeks of practical training until the course is completed and the title Firefighter will become one they can wear with honor. https://youtu.be/ZCXhiLdes1A #volunteerfirefighter #wedoitforfree #mdfd #regionalfireservice

Volunteer firefighters volunteer for many reasons: providing service to our community is foremost of the common responses among our volunteers when they are asked why they joined the service. Other reasons include: friendship and camaraderie, the ability to train for dangerous tasks and the feeling of satisfaction that is derived from a job well done, testing the limits of yourself physically and mentally, learning more skills, fulfilling a lifelong dream among others. We do...n't do what we do for the money (thus the term 'volunteer firefighter'). We don't do what we do for public acclamation or recognition. This morning our local Panago restaurant dropped off a pizza and simply said "thanks for what you do: we appreciate your continued work". To the volunteer firefighters who enjoyed that token of appreciation - we thank you for it. We appreciate being appreciated. Never underestimate the power of a kind word. Something we can all take away from 2020.

The 151st call for 2020 came at 5:44 p.m. this evening in the form of a residential fire alarm activation 5 km east of Barnwell on Highway 3. Responding units were stood down enroute as the homeowner reported that the alarm activation was not an emergency. The duty officer continued to the scene to confirm with the homeowner. All units are back at stations ready for the next call.

New temporary mandatory face coverings Bylaw No. 1969 in effect Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases across our region, the Council of the Municipal District of Ta...ber has enacted a temporary mandatory face coverings Bylaw No. 1969, effective December 1, 2020 until further notice. Everyone ages 10 and over are required to wear a face covering at all times while in an indoor, enclosed, or substantially enclosed public setting, or in a public vehicle except where exemptions apply. Full details and exemption information can be found here. https://www.mdtaber.ab.ca/p/masks This bylaw does contain enforcement for violations with a $100 fine. The Municipal District of Taber’s intention is not to be punitive, but those who refuse to comply with the mandatory measures can be subject to a fine. We understand that not everyone is able to wear a mask or face covering, so we ask everyone to please, BE KIND to those unable to do so.

13 Regional Fire Service Volunteer Firefighters participating in the NFPA 1001 Level 1 class conducted a live fire exercise this evening. The training focused on vehicle fires. A great night of training!

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year from the Regional Fire Service! M.D. of Taber Regional fire Service Stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 conducted a "Lights and Sirens Parade" on December 23 to bring Christmas Greetings to the Communities we serve. 2020 has been a challenging year and we hope in a small way this video brings an extra measure of Cheer to each of you this Season. Hope you enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed making it.... https://youtu.be/Z8-K5yNK5GAional See more

Merry Christmas Greetings to all of the hardy Barnwellians who turned out for the first ever Lights and Sirens Parade. Watch for our Regional Fire Service Christmas video highlighting the parades that were held tonight in each of the 6 Regional Fire Service Station’s communities! We hope we were able to lighten your hearts and bring an additional dose of Christmas Cheer to all.

Today we send out a big THANK YOU and congratulations to a few of our Regional Fire Service members for surpassing years of service milestones in 2020. If you... see these people in and around your community please shout out a Thank you their way for their long time service to your community and the fire service. Say Thank you from 6 feet away of course! Station 1 Hays Firefighter Carl Huvenaars - 10 years of service Firefighter Gordon Hirney - 22 year Rosette Station 2 Grassy Lake District Chief Rudy Unger - 15 years of service Firefighter Shelley Kultgen - 20 years of service Station 5 Vauxhall Lt. Abe Banman - 15 years of service Regional Chief Brian Schafer - 20 years of service

Thank you to Station 2 Grassy Lake Deputy Station Chief Rey Kornelsen for installing the decals and graphics last week onto our new to us duty officer truck for Station 4 MDFD. Thank you to Md PW Director Stu for assisting us with finding a truck already in house with very low mileage and to the Marty, Steve and the MD mechanics for the change over and to James at Allure Detailing Solutions Taber for the cleaning. The truck looks brand new! Kornelsen Contracting... Allure Detailing Solutions Taber See more

At 3:59 this afternoon Stations 4 & 7 were dispatched to a report of a carbon monoxide alarm at a residence in Barnwell. The residents safely evacuated and upon arrival a team entered the structure with gas monitoring equipment. The presence of high levels of CO were detected a potential source identified and the residence was ventilated. The scene was turned over to the homeowner who contacted a service company to further investigate the potential source of the gas.... All units were back in service at 5:15 p.m.

We are responding to the rising COVID-19 spread by implementing targeted public health measures in Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray ...and Red Deer. These targeted measures take effect on Friday, November 13: Fitness group classes and team sports must stop until November 27. This does not include outdoor sport, individual sports, individual exercises, training or equipment use. Gyms are not required to close. This also doesn’t apply to junior, university or professional sports. Group performances, such as singing, dancing and theatre must cease. These measures don’t apply to professional performance venues. Additional public health measures will also implemented in all regions under an enhanced status: All restaurants, bars, lounges and pubs in these regions must cease liquor sales by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m. until November 27. Maximum attendance of 50 at wedding or funeral ceremonies. All faith-based activities are recommended to limit attendance to one-third capacity per service. Residents should not hold social gatherings within their home and should not plan social gatherings outside their community. Employers in office settings are recommended to implement measures to reduce the number of employees in the workplace at one time. We are asking all Albertans to do their part. If these measures are not successful, it will be necessary to implement more restrictive measures. For more information visit: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

A report of a single vehicle MVC near Range Road 18-1 and Highway 3 (Cranford area) sent units out this morning at 11: 08 a.m. Arriving units found a half ton truck had left the road due to icy conditions and had rolled multiple times. No persons were injured. The vehicle was towed from the scene.... All units are back in service. Roads in the area may have icy patches. Please drive carefully.

Stations 4 & 7 responded this morning at 7:01 a.m. to a report of a vehicle fire on Highway 3 west of Range Road 18-3 near Cranford. The first arriving unit found a vehicle in the westbound lane with visible fire and smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished.... The car was towed from the scene. All units are back in service.

Two call for service this afternoon at 4:27 and 5:30 p.m. The first a residential carbon Monoxide alarm. The second an outside fire.... All units back at their Stations and prepared for the next call at 6:55 p.m.

A report of a fire in a roadside ditch at 9:38 a.m. sent Station 4 and 7 units out this morning. Arriving units found a small fire in a roadside ditch. Landowners are asked to keep fires within their property boundaries.... As per municipal policy municipal Peace Officers were contacted to undertake bylaw enforcement for the burning within the right of way.

Station 4 and 7 units enroute to second single vehicle MVC on Highway 3 near Range Road 18-5. Highway conditions are extremely slippery -please drive with caution. All units have now cleared the scene and are returning to Stations.

Station 4 and Station 7 units currently on scene at a single vehicle MVC on Highway 3 near Range Road 18-1 west of Barnwell. A semi truck and trailer is jackknifed in the eastbound lane. Traffic near the scene has been reduced to a single lane. Driving Conditions are extremely slippery and hazardous. Avoid travel if possible.... Update: the scene has been cleared and all lanes of traffic are open. Units on scene responding to second incident 4 kilometres west of this scene.

3 calls for service today at 11:03 a.m., 12:51 p.m. and 2:58 p.m. The first call was a smoke investigation near a permitted burn. Wildland 4-6 responded. The second call was a large grass fire on Huckleberry Road, 1 kilometre west of Highway 864. All units from Station 4 & 7 were dispatched. The large fire was extinguished before it spread to a nearby coulee and homes.... The third call was an outside fire on Highway 36 south. All Station 4 & 7 units were dispatched. The fire was quickly extinguished. All units are back in service.

What’s the best part of Fire Prevention Week? The annual visit to the Barnwell School Early Learning class. Chief Bruyere, Captain Laczo, Firefighter Schortinghuis, Firefighter Veenstra and Firefighter Putzi along with Rescue 4-4 and Engine 7-3 visited the class to talk about fire safety and fire trucks and equipment. Its always a great learning opportunity for all.

It's #FirePreventionWeek! On behalf of Regional Chief Schafer, Deputy Regional Chief Bruyere and Hamlet Chief Yaroslawsky, Chief Rose and Chief Unger we would like to thank our many volunteers for your many hours, dedication and service that you have provided to our 6 communities throughout the year. A big thank you as well to the many employers that allow our members to attend calls in the daytime during work hours when people are in need. Thank you for working with us..., we can't say thank you enough! One last thank you to the families of our members. When the tones go off we leave meals and many family events so Thank you for sharing your family member with us! This years theme is kitchen fires. Did you know that cooking, especially unattended cooking, is the leading cause of home fires? Find out more at fpw.org and sparky.org!

Tone: 11:53a.m. Call: Residential Fire Alarm - 2nd Street West Barnwell. Source of call to dispatch: fire alarm monitoring company. 11:54 a.m. Units dispatched - Engine 4-2, Engine 7-3, Rescue 4-4, Wildland 7-5, Wildland 4-6... 11:59 a.m. Engine 7-3, Wildland 7-5 arrive on scene with six firefighters with initial search team packed up and ready to roll. Additional units enroute. 12:00 p.m. - Source of smoke determined: burnt lunch. All units Not yet on scene are stood down. All units back at Stations ready for next call.

Training night at Station 4 & 7 involved angle rescue refresher and the promotion of a Regional Fire Services Jr. Firefighter to Probationary Firefighter which included the presentation of his yellow firefighter helmet and the retirement of his green Jr Firefighter one - congratulations PFF Wielenga!

With sadness we regretfully announce that one of our firefighters has left us. Firefighter Sarah Loewen joined Station 4 as a Junior Firefighter while in high school. During her time she became NFPA 1001 level 1, NFPA 1001 Level 2, Ice Rescue and NFPA 1051 (Wildland) qualified. Firefighter Loewen responded along with Station 4 to dozens and dozens of calls, faithfully attended training and distinguished herself as an incredibly competent and dedicated member. Firefighter L...oewen has started a new life with Firefighter Hiebert at Station 5 following their marriage yesterday. We understand that their new house is very close to Station 5. Station 5 had become very adept at stealing our firefighters - however we can’t fault them for their judgement. We are happy for them...we truly are...no hard feeling about this at all. Our loss is your gain. We will get over this - eventually. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Hiebert. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness and joy.

A single vehicle rollover on Township Road 9-0 east of Range Road 16-4 sent Station 4 & 7, AHS EMS and RCMP on a call at 2:48 a.m. One person was extricated from the vehicle and transported to hospital. RCMP are investigating.... All units back in service at 4:35 a.m.

A 5:32 a.m. call this morning for a single vehicle rollover with entrapment on Highway 36 South near Township Road 9-2. One person was injured and transported by AHS EMS to hospital after being extricated from the heavily damaged truck by responders. All units back in service at 6:27 a.m.

Two calls for service which once again highlighted the Value of the Regional Fire Service. Early this afternoon Stations 4 and 7 along with Station 5 responded with all units to assist Station 3 with a large stubble fire near Township Road 12-4 and Range Road 18-4 in the MD of Taber. The fire aided by 100 km/hr winds travelled approximately 3 miles and claimed a wooden grainary - which fortunately was empty.... The intense fire leaped over roads and summerfallow strips in its headlong flight towards large fields of standing grain. Efforts to control the fire was manifestly and significantly aided by the many farmers who responded with large tractors and implements who worked on the flanks of the fire to aid firefighters eventually bringing it under control. A second call at 3:45 p.m. was a small outside fire on Range 15-1 south of Highway 3. With all of Station 4 & 7 units deployed at the fire in the north Station 2 - Grassy Lake - responded with Engine 2-2, Wildland 2-5 and Station 4 firefighters who were available met them at the scene in Sierra 4-7. Engines 7-3 and 4-2 along with Wildlands 4-6 and 7-5 arrived shortly after having been released from the scene in the north where the fire was in mop up stage. The fire was quickly extinguished. All units are back at their Stations prepared for the next call.

Rail Safety Week 2020: September 21-27 is Rail Safety Week. Hey Kids! Play the CP RailSense game featuring Cornelius the Conductor. This fun, interactive game will teach you how to be safe around tracks and trains. Start now and get your own Conductor badge! https://cprailsense.ca/

Thai afternoon at 3:45 p.m. Stations 4 & 7 responded to a report of an accident at the MD Municipal Park. Sierra 4-7, Rescue 4-4 and Engine 7-3 responded. Upon arrival the Duty Officer contacted AHS EMS who was on scene and determined no additional resources were required. All units were stood down enroute.