Taber Fire Department

Leaving your tree up after Christmas for a little extra festive cheer? Dry trees and faulty lights are a common cause of holiday fires. Keep real trees well-watered, avoid overloading outlets and turn lights off when you're not home.

Merry Christmas from the Taber Fire Department!

Taber Fire Prevention & Safety Program is very grateful to CUPE Local 2038 for renewing their sponsorship for another year! Great sponsors like these keep this program going. The Taber Firefighters Association has been able to provide more than 600 working smoke alarms in the community and surrounding area! Thank you to all of our sponsors and their continued support!

Yesterday after a busy day for calls the Taber Fire Department held the final regular Tuesday night training which was a Taber Firefighters Association quarterly virtual meeting! The most exciting event of the night though was the virtual swearing in ceremony of our largest number of probationary classes so far! These firefighters have completed all the learning, tasks and testing to achieve the rank of Rookie Firefighter! Last night we were very honoured to have each of them take our firefighter oath and be sworn in by Chaplain BOS. Congratulations to Tanner MIGNON, Marnie MOULAND, Kendra DAY, Grady CALVERT and Kirk HUGHES! Thank you to all of you for answering the call and serving your Community!

They say it comes in threes, with a busy day at Taber Fire Department we hope that holds true. At 7:36am Taber Firefighters responded to a structure fire near the center of town in which a garage was on fire. The duty officer and initial engine arrived to a fully involved garage, dispatch had received information that the occupants were out of the building but on arrival neighbours indicated the family was still inside. Incident command gave instructions for the initial entr...y team to search until it was confirmed all occupants were out. The fire was well seated and stubborn but fire crews were able to extinguish the fire with minimal damage to neighbouring structures. Two of the three cats inside were retrieved with the 3rd evacuating rapidly, firefighters were also able to save some of the Christmas presents inside. Many thanks to Taber Police Service dispatch and officers, Town of Taber Public works for the trailer to retrieve the hose and also to the MD CPO's and others for the coffee and donuts. All crews were back in the hall and back in service around 1:30pm but only after being flagged down by Taber Police to assist a stranded motorist that had slid off the road. Firefighters were able to push her back on the road easily. At 3:45pm another call to service for a young girl stuck on a third floor balcony in the north end with a sliding door not functioning. Firefighters were able to reunite the young lady with her family before she got too cold.

Santa was very appreciative of the escort from the Taber Firefighters and the Taber Police Service! There were so many excited kids and families throughout the route. We would love to see any pictures or videos of the parade or the excited kids! Please post in the comments below and share the post for us so everyone can see. **Update** it appears pictures and videos can’t be attached to the comments. Please send pictures and or videos to [email protected] and we will post them if we can! Most of all we would like to thank the Community for the support and coming out to see the big guy! Merry Christmas to all of you from the Taber Fire Department!

Lately we have received many questions regarding fire drills as required by the National Fire Code and the current Covid-19 pandemic. Please see the attached letter, if we can provide any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact the Town of Taber Fire Department!

Regular Tuesday night training this week we were lucky enough to get our last week in at the acquired structures! Once again thanks to VHL Construction for hooking us up before demolition. These structures have enabled our members to gain valuable experience on actual structures that we are not familiar with including search, ventilation, self rescue, RIT team and this week was transitional attack! Using big water from a blitz fire monitor or deck gun can buy precious time for an interior attack team to enter a tenable environment that was previously superheated. The probationary firefighters were able to travel to the Fire Training Center on the northside and practice live fire extinguisher training!

Assisting the Southern Alberta Society of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping at the Taber Cenotaph during this morning's "Remembrance Sunrise Ceremony".

Fire bells ring, are you listening? On our engines, lights are glistening. A beautiful sight; so happy tonight: fire trucks in a winter wonderland! You guessed it: all of us as the Taber Fire Department want to make spirits bright, and so we are holding one last celebratory parade for 2020 on Saturday night (the 19th). Starting at 5:00pm, our engines will be slowly making our way along the route with our lights and sirens on and a special guest in tow. Santa Claus has so ...graciously taken time out of his schedule to visit Taber for one night so everyone can have a holly jolly holiday. He knows it’s been a tough year and not being able to gather might make for a blue Christmas, but when he called us up asking for the Fire Department’s help in making spirits bright, we knew we couldn’t refuse. Plus, we didn’t want to be put on the naughty list! He’s a busy man and the elves run a tight ship before Christmas Eve, so he can’t stop for photos if he’s going to get back to the North Pole in time (plus he has to maintain social distancing), but he will be spreading cheer from the safety of our ladder truck so everyone can see him. We hope you can give old Saint Nick a wave from the safe distance of your front window, yard, or sidewalk as we drive our sleighs past. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy new year from all of us at the Taber Fire Department!

The Firehall is a busy place this weekend tonight marks the first of 3 days of instruction for 2 separate classes. Downstairs in the bays 5 new hopeful Cadets begin their orientation weekend if successful on the written and practical exams they will move on to Probationary status. At the same time upstairs 6 senior firefighters and officers continue with their NFPA 1002 pump operator course. Thanks to the instructors and good luck to all students!

Regular Tuesday night training found the Probies at the hall practicing ladders while the crews practiced interior self rescue and RIT window to door conversions. Thanks again to Abe Klassen and VHL for the acquired structures! We are very grateful for the opportunity to practice on these houses!

Regular Tuesday night training this week Taber firefighters again returned to virtual training. The high attendance mark of 29 firefighters were online to an excellent presentation by Deputy Chief COTE about our thermal imaging cameras. Good refresher for everyone about the features and techniques of each one!

This year’s Remembrance Day Service on November 11th, will consist solely of an outdoor ceremony to be held at the Taber Cenotaph which will be Live Streamed be...ginning at 10:50 AM via the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #20’s official Facebook Page at: www.facebook.com/TaberLegion As a precaution for public health and safety, the Remembrance Day Service has been reduced to essential personnel only as recommended by the Government of Alberta COVID-19 protocols. The service will now commence at 11:00 AM with a Cohort of less than 15 members. Members of the general public who wish to still attend the Cenotaph to pay their respects are asked to do so after the ceremony has concluded at 11:15 AM. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Lest We Forget.

Thanks to VHL for use of a couple of houses, this week’s regular Tuesday night training was extra awesome! Firefighters were able to use both residences simultaneously to practice search and rescue of victims as well as fire extinguishment. We are very thankful for the use of these homes for the coming weeks, we will make excellent use of them. There were also an additional 6 firefighters and instructor beginning the NFPA 1002 Driver Operator Course back at the hall, that course will last a couple of weeks as well!

TABER Fire Department is very proud to host NFPA 1033 Fire investigation Level 2 over the next two days. Thanks to Fire wise consulting, college of the Rockies and the Alberta fire training Conference in partnering to bring us this amazing training opportunity. Students from Vancouver island, Grand Prairie and all over Alberta joined in this training opportunity. The students learn the art of fire investigation, cause and origin... And so much more. Good luck to all.

For obvious reasons, like many others, the Taber Fire Department is unable to host their usual awards banquet and Christmas Party which is disappointing but we certainly don’t want to take away from the hardwork put in by all of our firefighters! Congratulations to each of you that earned certificates for the NFPA 1001 Level 1 & 2, NFPA 1072 Hazmat Awareness and Ops, NFPA 1002 Driving & Pumping! We appreciate the effort and determination it takes to achieve those levels. It g...oes without saying we must recognize the work put in by all the instructors as well, led by DC Nathan Cote. The 2020 award winners this year are: Rookie of the Year - as chosen by the Officers is a member chosen for their effort, attitude, time and attendance is firefighter Chris Chabot. Firefighter of the Year - as chosen by their peers again attitude, positivity and an excellent representative of the Taber Firefighters is firefighter Chris Chabot. The Award of Merit - as chosen by the Chief for the commitment, and extra effort, time, ideas and attendance is Captain Kevin Roll. The Leadership Award - as chosen by the Officer Pool is for an officer that provides an excellent example of leadership and dedication to the department Captain Steve Swarbrick. Please if you are able to reach out and congratulate any of these individuals it would be greatly appreciated, this Facebook post is hardly enough to thank our members for all of their hard work and dedication to help make Taber and area a safer community!

Regular Tuesday night training last night was a quick refresher for crews on airbags & struts, vehicle stabilization. The rain held off and even though it was a little cooler weather than we have been having, members put up with a little mud and had smiles on their faces!

A huge thank you to College Ford Taber for the continued support of the Taber Fire Department Fire Prevention and Safety Program! Our fire prevention and safety education would be much tougher without great sponsors like these! We are very grateful to renew with you again!

While we are not able to start up our Birthday Drive-by Program again, Taber Firefighters were excited to make an exception for a very special 100 year celebration yesterday! Happy Birthday Mrs. MATSUDA! We hope you had a great day!! Thank you to your family for letting us play a part!

A group of dedicated firefighters started off their Thanksgiving weekend a little differently than most. Last night and today 8 Taber firefighters were tested in the practical components of NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Operations and Awareness! This marks the end to months of hard work for the group, they were very nervous at the start of testing but appeared to relax a bit near the end! We are very grateful for the hardworking, dedicated men and women of the Taber Fire Depa...rtment. A big shout out to our friends at the Lions club for the leftover doughnuts and water, they are gone now, Thank you! Have a great rest of your Thanksgiving weekend!

Mayor Prokop joins forces with Reeve Harris of the Municipal District of Taber and Mayor Plumtree of the Town of Vauxhall to remind citizens in our region to co...ntinue following all mandatory health measures to help #StoptheSpread of COVID-19 in our region. Full COVID-19 info at www.alberta.ca/covid19 See more

As the Chief of Police, I would like to commend the community of Taber and those who are voluntarily complying with and supporting the new masking bylaw and the... Orders of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. We have received only a few calls of people not complying but have found that once again, Taber as a community at large, has rallied behind a cause and are hopefully helping to bend the curve. We will be there to educate and persuade where necessary, and if required enforce the law. I especially want to thank the work of Inspector Kehler. Howard has has been recognized by AHS for his work in building relationships with our vulnerable communities in Taber to educate and assist where we can to help prevent the spread. Everyone we have spoken to has been open to suggestions, are working with us, and are trying their best to follow the rules and comply. Have a safe weekend! Chief Abela

Regular Tuesday night training saw our members splitting into 4 groups. Probies were practicing hydrants grabs, the NFPA 1002 students practiced more pumping and the remains two groups were at the training center with separate vehicle extrications.

At 10:18am today Taber Firefighters were dispatched to an explosion in the industrial park. On arrival firefighters found no visible evidence of fire but a small portion of the building was damaged. The initial entry team was able to determine there was no hidden fire within the structure. A second crew assisted and confirmed no other fire was present. One truck remained on scene to secure the area until appropriate resources were obtained to deem the building safe. ... The cause and damage is under investigation, one staff member was seen by ambulance and released on scene. All crews were back in service by 13:30hrs.

Thursday evening this week during, Fire Prevention Week, Taber Fire Department held the 2020 Fall Intake! Six candidates were invited in for the interview and physical fitness testing portion of the process. The hopefuls are put through a series of questions and a bit of physical activities, now that all candidates have been notified of the results we can announce that 5 out of the 6 have been invited to continue in the process. Orientation weekend is the next step and will b...e hosted October 23-25th. Each cadet now has a package to fulfill before the orientation weekend, this recruit package contains, among other things, requests for a Medical Assessment, Criminal Record Check and a Drivers Abstract. We are excited for the recruits to continue, congratulations and good luck to each of you!

Check out www.fpw.org has great educational information!

2021 AFFCA Provincial Championship Cancelled After consultation with the 2021 Host Committee in Taber and input from our membership, the Alberta Firefighter Cur...ling Association Executive has, with regret, come to the decision to cancel the AFFCA 2021 Provincial Curling Championship that was to be hosted in Taber, Alberta from January 27th to 30th, 2021. In the interest of safety for both our membership and the general public, it is felt that the health risk to everyone during the current COVID 19 Pandemic is too high to bring firefighters and their families from different regions together. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly, much consideration has been given to canceling an event that we all look forward to each year. With the cancellation of the 2020 National Championship, the 2021 CFFCA National Championship will again be hosted by PEI in Charlottetown in November 2021. Representing our association in 2021 will be our 2020 Provincial Champions, Team Bartling. Should COVID-19 again require the postponement of the 2021 championship, PEI will forfeit hosting the Canadians and it will move to Saskatchewan in 2022. We are confident our members will support us with this difficult decision. Looking to the future, the AFFCA Executive has unanimously decided to allow the Taber Fire Department to host the 2022 AFFCA Provincial Curling Championship in Taber, Alberta from January 26-29, 2022. We look forward to attending the event in the traditional fashion to which we all have become accustomed, thank you for your patience and understanding! Warm Regards, AFFCA executive

Taber Fire Department is very proud of our Fire Prevention & Safety Program and grateful for the businesses and service groups that sponsor the program, without them it would be very difficult to have the program. We don't often receive donations from the general public but we are equally thankful for those that do come in! Last week after receiving a phone call from a frustrated homeowner, resulting from multiple CO and smoke alarms (for no apparent reason, after changing b...atteries), the Fire Prevention Officer was able to attend the location and determine that 1 CO alarm and 1 smoke alarm were defective, alarms were replaced and the situation was rectified. Afterward the Speer family contacted the fire department and generously donated monies that can be placed back into the program to allow it to continue, thanks to all our sponsors for continuing to make Taber a safer community!

From October - December last year Taber Fire Department responded to 4 serious structure fires, 3 of them were fires in the kitchen! Please be safe in the kitchen, help children understand!

The Taber Fire Department is very proud of the Taber Firefighters Association for donating the time and money for the Winter Festival Tree and fire pit. Thanks to the volunteers, calendar sales and Dave Dyck of Black Iron Steel Fabrication, the community has a beautiful centerpiece for years to come!

At 5:23pm just prior to the opening of Winter Festival Taber Fire Department responded to a structure fire near the center of town. Crews were on scene in under 6 minutes to find the fire was extinguished but there was heavy smoke inside the residence. Two units were released a short time later and the remaining crew assisted the homeowner with ventilation. There were no injuries, the damage and cause is under investigation. All crews were back at the hall and back in service by 7:00pm.

Thank you to Mrs. URANO Taber Firefighters were able to visit Gr. 1 thru 4 at LT Westlake School yesterday! Our school visits are down in quantity this year but the quality is definitely still there! It is great to hear how much the students know about fire safety. The teachers do such a great job! Parents please talk to your children about Fire Safety, it will surprise you how much they can teach you! Thanks to rookie firefighter SKRETTING for helping out with the visits today!

Taber Fire Department would like to offer a huge thank you to Ward Bros. Construction Ltd. for allowing us access into some buildings scheduled for demolition. For the regular Tuesday night training this week, Taber firefighters took advantage of these structures, splitting into groups they were able to gain some valuable experience. Building searches, roof ventilation and wall breaches were all performed on existing structures, being able to practice on buildings like this is so much more valuable than studying from books. It was a great night of training, thanks again to Ward Bros. Construction Ltd. for helping us out.

Some excellent kitchen safety tips to discuss with your family!

Taber Fire Department is extremely happy to be invited to class by Mrs. STEINBORN. While Fire Prevention Week might look a little different this year, we were excited to come over to Dr. Hamman School for an outdoor presentation! The class was just as excited as Captain SWARBRICK and Firefighter HOPKINS, they had lots of great questions and we all had a fun time and learned a lot about fire safety! Thank you so much for having us!

Regular Tuesday night training this week featured the Probies at the station doing Probie stuff while the rest of the crew was at the acquired structures again, ventilation practice!

Throw back Saturday! Ok maybe not that far of a throw, on October 19, 2020 Taber Fire Prevention Officer SWARBRICK was invited in for a fire safety presentation for the Youth Outreach at Taber Safe Haven! Thanks to firefighter CHABOT for joining, a lot of information was given on fire safety at home, firefighter gear and career opportunities. Thanks very much to Miss SAUNDERS for the invite! It's always great to be in the Community!

Regular Tuesday night training this week was stellar, once again thank you to VHL Construction for allowing us to continue. While the Probies began their next step in training, and another group of firefighters continued with their NFPA 1002 course, the rest of the firefighters were able to practice some ground ladder work and some vertical ventilation cuts. It is great experience for our members to be able to make cuts into a real roof while perched on a roof ladder. Valuable education obtained before it is required at an actual call, another great night of training!

At 3:29am this morning crews were notified of a Carbon Monoxide alarm at an apartment complex on the north side. After crews received readings on their monitors, ATCO gas was notified. It was found that there was a problem with an appliance. All crews are back at the hall and back in service as of 5:30am.

Might as well make it 3 courses at one time over the weekend! Senior firefighters continued with the NFPA 1002 Pump Operators course upstairs and a lone firefighter was on two 4 hr Zoom Virtual classes to recertify as a Red Cross first aid instructor. But the most exciting news was the recruit class, the practical skills and written exam are in and all 5 Cadets have achieved the rank of Probationary Firefighter! All that is left is to sign a contract with the Chief some minor... paperwork and they will be responding to calls! Congratulations to all of you! Thank you for stepping up to contribute. Thank you to all of the officers for instructing in all the classes!

Check out www.fpw.org has great educational information!

Fire Prevention Week 2020 "Serving Up Safety in the Kitchen" We reached back a few years for this safety tip from the National Fire Protection Association! https://youtu.be/BMXOZw3QpQI

Are you looking for something to do with your children for Fire Prevention Week? Taber Fire Department has teamed up with the NFPA to help you out! Please gather up the kids and have a game of Hot, Not Hot or Sometimes Hot! Check out Sparky's video! https://youtu.be/wwQwq6BPh5s

2020 Campaign This year’s FPW campaign, Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!TM works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen. Did you know? Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.... https://youtu.be/2UBYautmHgk See more

Since 1922 Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th from Sunday to Saturday. It is in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, killing more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed 17, 400 structures and over 2000 acres of land. The fire service is built on history, we learn from it and improve. Please look for useful posts this week for this years theme "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen"!... https://youtu.be/VZhvbmqYniA

Great job to 8 members of the TABER Fire Department for completing 40 hours of NFPA 1072 Hazmat operations training. Next weekend they will take the 2-day exam for the class. Good luck!

Today the Taber Fire Department was happy to host the NFPA 1001 Level 1 class from the Coaldale and Nobleford fire departments. The students spent their day working on skills such as vertical ventilation, hose advancement, search and rescue and fire attack. It was a great day for these students and we are happy we could facilitate a great learning environment for them to practice their skills. Great work everyone.

Taber Firefighters are proud to be out again this weekend providing first aid standby for the Chinook Rodeo Association at the Taber Agriplex. Thank you to our members for giving their time. Best of luck to all competitors!

Tomorrow is the last day to apply!! Don't wait! Town of Taber Fire Department is accepting applications for Paid-on-call firefighters. If you're interested contact us at 403-223-6010 or email [email protected]

Day #3 of 3 at the High School Rodeo is complete and a shout out to all the competitors, they made it through without needing our first aid services! After 18hrs of medical stand-by and a total of 8 calls to service (so far) we would like to thank the dedicated men and women on our department for tirelessly serving this community! We have an amazing group of firefighters here in Taber!

Day #2 of the High School Rodeo has been a busy one for the Taber Fire Department. Thankfully the rodeo has been safe this far and only one day to go but the firefighters have been busy! In the last 24hrs we have been called to service for a motor vehicle collision, an arson investigation, 2 medical first response calls, a fire alarm and a carbon monoxide call. Thank you to the Taber Police Service and the great dispatching to keep us on track for all 6 calls!

Taber Firefighters are happy to provide first aid standby for the Alberta High School Rodeo Association this weekend at the Taber Agriplex! Thank you to our members for giving up their time to provide another valuable service!

Last night the Taber Fire Department was very pleased to have these to individuals take their Oath of Office as Firefighters for the Town of Taber. Congratulations Firefighter Bailey ROLFE and Firefighter Gunner SKRETTING on completing your probationary training and joining the ranks of the department. We look forward to working with you while serving our great community.

Town of Taber Fire Department is accepting applications for the 2020 Fall Intake until September 25th call 403-223-6010 or email [email protected] with any questions! Don't wait!

A great weekend of NFPA 1072 Hazmat training at TABER Fire Department the first of 2 weekends.

Town of Taber Fire Department is accepting applications for Paid-on-call firefighters until September 25th! If you're interested contact us at 403-223-6010 or email [email protected]

At 12:46 the Taber Fire Department was called to service assisting our partners at Alberta Health Services with a medical response for a tree cutting incident. After the Patient was taken to hospital, fire crews stuck around to help out. The sidewalk and the homes driveway were blocked by the large fallen tree. Crews were able to finish cutting it up removing the hazard from the sidewalk and driveway. Thank you to Alberta Health Services and the Taber 9-1-1 Dispatcher for your help.

At 15:23hrs AHS requested assistance from Taber firefighters with a serious medical call. A driver was supplied to get the ambulance to the hospital which enables both Paramedics to provide much needed patient care. The firefighters were then required at a 2 vehicle collision near the center of town. Tones went out at 15:38hrs as the last call was being wrapped up. Firefighters were able to provide vehicle stabilization and take over patient care from Taber Police service and provide care until the busy AHS ambulance service could attend. We are grateful for Taber Police dispatch for keeping us all well informed! Great partnerships all the way around!

The Taber Fire Department is thrilled to invite the public to the grand opening of our William Ferguson Emergency Services Building on Saturday, September 12th along with the Trout Pond Campground and the Ken Mcdonald Memorial Sports Complex 4th Ball Diamond. We hope to see you at all the events!

Fall Recruitment 2020 is now open! The Town of Taber Fire Department is accepting applications for Paid-on-Call firefighters until September 25, 2020. Call 403-223-6010 or email [email protected] for more details!

Taber firefighters are back in service following the 3rd call to service of the day. At 11am they were called to provide a lift assist for Alberta Health Services EMS, at 7:15pm a resident called after a loud bang was heard and a power pole emitted smoke and flames and at 9pm a fire alarm was activated at a care facility. All calls were attended to and completed promptly.

Town of Taber Fire Department is accepting applications for Paid-On-Call Firefighters, the 2020 Fall Intake is open until September 25th call 403-223-6010 or email [email protected] with any questions! Don't wait!

Starting Monday morning many schools are re-opening and there will be a lot of super excited students on the streets and sidewalks! Please be extra cautious while driving, keep our kids safe!

Taber firefighters were happy to have a duty crew available for response if needed during the day today (thankfully it was not required) and equally as happy to have a duty truck, a Wildland unit and 3 engines staffed during the fireworks show this evening!

Town of Taber Fire Department is accepting applications for the 2020 Fall Intake untill September 25th call 403-223-6010 or email [email protected] with any questions! Don't wait!

Taber firefighters began their Tuesday bright and early with a smoke alarm at 05:47hrs at a downtown business, a serious medical event in the afternoon. They attended their regular Tuesday night training and at 20:32hrs, just as the crews started to wrap up the tones dropped again for an alarm activation at a large building in the industrial park. The duty officer arrived to report smoke showing and the building was being evacuated. The first in engine was tasked with a qui...ck attack and was able to extinguish the fire promptly. Thankfully there were no injuries reported, the firefighters were able to contain the fire to the room of origin. The cause of the fire is under investigation and there is no estimate of damages. All units were back at the hall and back in service by 23:00hrs.

At tonight’s regular Tuesday night training Taber Firefighters split into two groups with 1/2 the members practicing big water and relay pumping in Prairie Lake Estates moving some big water. Whil the other 1/2 were at the training center working on some vehicle extrication.