Fire & Emergency Protection Services
The Special Areas Board provides fire protection services in partnership with 14 volunteer fire departments including fire suppression, vehicle rescue (Oyen, Hanna, Consort, and Jenner), ice rescue (Hanna) and a spill trailer (Hanna).
As well, the Special Areas Board has a Basic Safety Officer accredited by the Safety Codes Council who checks for compliance under the Safety Codes Act in the discipline of fire.
The Special Areas Board Fire Chief can be reached through the Youngstown Service Center at (403) 779-3733.
Controlled BurnsFire DepartmentsHow to VolunteerMission and Vision StatementGrassfire Safety Kit
Controlled Burn Procedure
The Special Areas Board does not currently issue burn permits; however, ratepayers are required to complete the online controlled burn notification form and contact immediate neighbors when they plan to do a controlled burn.
In October, 2015 the Board launched a new online system which lets ratepayers complete a notification form AHEAD of their controlled burn. This form automatically informs the local fire department and 911 Call Centers, helping ensure they are aware of the upcoming controlled burn and reducing the number of false alarms our local fire departments are responding to.
This form is available 24/7, is accessible whenever there is no current fire restriction or ban in place restricting controlled burns. If conditions change, and a fire restriction or ban is put into place before a controlled burn, the ratepayer would be contacted to either cancel or modify the planned burn.
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. For more information on what materials are allowed to be burned, please refer to ProhibitedDebrisBeforeYouBurn-Mar2015.
The Special Areas Board would like to remind 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 www.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 neighbors to inform them of your burn.
If you encounter a fire, always call the fire department (Dial 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, 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.
Fire Department Contact Information
| Location | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Acadia Valley | Roger Didychuk | Fire Chief |
| Altario | Bruce Kohlman | Fire Chief |
| Bigstone | Buster Klassen | Fire Chief |
| Bindloss | Creston Andersen | Fire Chief |
| Buffalo | Pat Kukura | Fire Chief |
| Cereal | Steven Muzyka | Fire Chief |
| Cessford | Wade Christianson | Fire Chief |
| Consort | Corey Crann | Fire Chief |
| Empress | Mike Prosser | Fire Chief |
| Hanna | Dave Mohl | Fire Chief |
| Homestead Coulee | Jim Faubion | Fire Chief |
| Jenner | Jeff Lewandoski | Fire Chief |
| Oyen | Paul Lijdsman | Fire Chief |
| Veteran | Darryl Tkach | Fire Chief |
| Youngstown | Jason Fildey | Fire Chief |
| Special Areas | Glen Durand | Fire Chief |
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 for more information.
General Requirements for Volunteer Firefighting:
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Must submit a driver’s abstract
- Must submit to a criminal record check
- May be required to submit to a medical examination prior to training
- Must be willing to commit two weekends for training exercises as made available
- Must be able to work as a team member
- Must comply with all fire department protocols and conduct and abide by all regulations and training programs pertaining to the operation of the fire department.
Vision Statement
The desire to provide a professional level of service to the people of Special Areas.
Mission Statement
Focused on empowering and developing local leaders for the fire service by providing the needed support, training, required resources and equipment to safely, competently and successfully complete the mission. Managing and mitigating the risk and liability to an acceptable level within our communities, through Fire Prevention & Safety Codes best practices. We exist because of the desire and passion of our local men and women who are focused on making extraordinary differences in our communities and the lives of those within it.
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 in your home, on your property, and in your community. Contact your local office to get yours today.
