Fire & Emergency

Key Contact Information

Ensuring our community is safe for residents and visitors alike is a high priority. The Special Areas Board provides fire protection services in partnership with 14 volunteer fire departments. Services include fire suppression, vehicle rescue, ice rescue, and a spill cleanup trailer.

Special Areas Fire Services are grounded in a culture of respect and integrity, and are focused on making extraordinary differences in their communities and the lives of those within them. Members are committed and accountable to each other and the community while maintaining a professional culture residents expect.

The Special Areas Board has Basic Safety officers accredited by the Safety Codes Council who check for compliance under the Safety Codes Act in the discipline of fire.

KEY CONTACT

Rob Palmer, Special Areas Regional Fire Chief
403-779-3733
rob.palmer@specialareas.ab.ca

In the event of a FIRE, POLICE, MEDICAL, or other emergency requiring immediate assistance: DIAL 911.

Fire Ban System

The Special Areas Board uses a tiered fire ban system to restrict activities that may cause wildfires. Fire Bans, Fire Restrictions, and Fire Advisories have proven to be effective prevention tools in reducing the number of human-caused wildfires. These temporary measures are brought into effect according to conditions. As fire hazard levels increase, restrictions are adjusted to help reduce the likelihood of preventable wildfires.

The Alberta Fire Bans website www.albertafirebans.ca has information on all active fire advisories, restrictions, and bans across the province.

Policy 16-02 Special Areas Fire Ban Policy
Policy 14-05 Campfires/Fireworks in SAB Campgrounds & Parks Policy

Controlled Burns

The Special Areas Board does not issue burn permits; however, ratepayers must complete the online form and contact immediate neighbours before doing a controlled burn.

This form automatically informs local fire departments and 911 so they are aware of the upcoming controlled burn. This reduces the number of false alarms local fire departments are responding to.

This form is available online when there is No Fire Restriction in place.

During a Fire Advisory, this form can be completed by contacting any district office during normal business hours. Controlled burns may be permitted if appropriate precautions are taken.

During a Fire Restriction or Fire Ban, controlled burns are not permitted.

Owners are responsible for controlled burns and are required to ensure the burn is properly monitored while burning and fully extinguished prior to leaving. Means of extinguishment must be in place prior to any burn.

The Special Areas Board reminds all residents to observe the following protocol when doing controlled burns:

• Check if there are any fire restrictions in effect the day of the burn by contacting your local Special Areas district office or by consulting albertafirebans.ca.
• Check daily weather conditions (especially wind and temperatures) to make sure the burn will be safe to perform.
• Complete the controlled burn notification form.
• Contact area neighbours to inform them of your burn.

If you encounter a fire, always call 911 even if you think it is extinguished. Please state the location of the fire using township/range or other major roadways or landmarks when calling.

NOTE:

If a controlled burn takes place in contravention of a fire advisory or ban or without a notification form being completed ahead of the burn, or if the local fire department is not notified, the local fire department may be dispatched, and the ratepayer invoiced the cost of the fire response call.

How to Volunteer

Fire and rescue departments are always looking for new members, especially those who are available during the weekday, day time hours. Please contact your local fire department or Special Areas Regional Fire Services for more information.

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. There are some simple things you can do to help reduce the risk wildfires pose to your property.

Learn more about FireSmart for your farm at Farm and acreage | FireSmart.

Grassfire safety kits are available free of charge at any district office or the Youngstown Service Center. They have information, tools, and checklists to help you prevent, prepare, and mitigate grassfires on your property and in your community.

SAB Grassfire Safety Guide

Operating Private Equipment at Fires (New South Wales)

Community Grassfire Safety Presentation (2018)

Emergency Management

The Special Areas Board is responsible for emergency management in the Special Areas and has a director of Emergency Management. Deputy directors of Emergency Management are also appointed for each Special Area.

The Alberta Emergency Alert is one important way we warn residents of emergencies. Download the app today.

Emergency notifications, including evaluation alerts and orders, will be broadcast on the Alberta Emergency Alert system.

Emergencies and disasters can occur anytime, anywhere. Some are seasonal, allowing you to prepare in advance. Others occur swiftly and without warning. Planning ahead and preparing for your family’s needs can make a big difference in your ability to cope. You can lessen the impact of an emergency or disaster by knowing what to do before, during, and after one occurs.

To learn more about what you can do to prepare for emergencies, go to Alberta Emergency Preparedness site (Emergency preparedness | Alberta.ca) or Canada’s Get Prepared site (Get Prepared: Home).