County of Grande Prairie Fire Chief Trevor Grant travelled to Lloydminster to express his gratitude to Border City crews who helped out Grande Prairie crews during last year’s wildfire season.
Grant, says when the fires started in May last year, “it was taxing for their fire department.”Â
“We asked the province for resources and Lloydminster answered the call and came out and did a great job,” he says.Â
According to Grant, when the news broke that four homes were lost in the county last year, the Lloydminster crews were “key to ensuring that the fire did not breach the perimeter” they set up, and Lloyd crews managed to protect around 440 homes in the Grande Prairie region.Â
Justine Boisson with the Lloydminster Fire Department said the commendations from Grant were unexpected, but the Lloydminster firefighters were glad to lend a hand and know that it was appreciated.
“We went there as support for their crews, and we were able to give them a bit of a break,” said Boisson who had just come in from a structure fire.
Looking ahead, Grant says a damp Spring could make the difference and lessen the fire hazard risk this year. He noted that last year moisture levels were at 75 per cent when they called for help, and for this winter, moisture levels are at 40 per cent. He says crews are hoping for the best even as they make preparations for the upcoming fire season.
Grant has been to St. Paul to express further gratitude on behalf of the community. He is also recognizing the efforts of the Canadian military, the County of Vulcan, the City of Calgary and Strathmore, and other fire teams across the province that he will be visiting.Â
With files from Gerry Lampow, MyLloydminsternow.com Staff