12 Sep Special Areas Helps Out at CFB Suffield Prescribed Burn
Special Areas Fire Services & local fire departments were on hand to assist CFB Suffield Fire Services with fire reduction efforts in the base earlier this month. This fire reduction program at CFB Suffield was identified as a key measure to help reduce fire hazards on the base and help prevent large-scale grassfires.
To reduce the potential fire load in the base, CFB Suffield Fire Services is planning to complete prescribed burns throughout the fall and winter. Local fire departments, as well as Special Areas Regional Fire Services, have been invited to attend prescribed burns and to participate in the suppression of fire lines from the roads. The prescribed burn program is intended to reduce the possibility of fires leaving the base and entering surrounding areas.
“Mitigating fire hazards by reducing potential fire load is one of the most important things any of us can do to prevent grassfires. We appreciate the chance to work with CFB Suffield Fire Services, Cypress County Fire, and local fire departments to help reduce fire hazards along the northern boundary of the base.
This program is an important part of reducing fire hazards and it gives firefighters a chance to work with other fire departments from across the region. I want to thank CFB Suffield for their efforts in getting this program up and running, and for the positive working relationships we continue to enjoy with their fire services group.”
Rob Palmer, Special Areas Fire Chief
The first of the prescribed burns took place the first week of September; prescribed burns will only proceed if conditions allow, and specific GO/NO-GO parameters have been met.
As a part of the prescribed burn protocols, local fire departments and Special Areas Fire Services will be notified in advance of a prescribed burn taking place. This will help make sure local fire departments are aware of any prescribed burns, reducing false alarms. Prescribed fires are the knowledgeable and controlled applications of fires on a specific area to remove fine fuels in open areas. Prescribed fires help reduce the size and intensity of future wildfires by reducing fuel loads and fire hazards.
Learn more about Special Areas Fire Services by visiting https://specialareas.ab.ca/services/fire-emergency-services/