They were willing and able, but conditions were favourable and members of the Drumheller Fire Department ready to battle wildfires were stood down.
inSide Drumheller reported in its May 17 edition that three fire firefighters Mike Devaleriola, Ryan Young and Steve Hatt were ready to roll and provide their services to the residents of Nordegg who were threatened by wildfires. inSide Drumheller also learned that Cody Blasken made himself available to help. They were to report on Saturday morning, however at the last minute, they were asked to stand down.
“We received a phone call at 4:30 on Friday afternoon and they said they had it under control and were letting people back in (to Nordegg), so Drumheller didn’t get to participate,” said Drumheller Fire Chief Bill Bachynski.
Michael Devaleriola, Ryan Young, and Steve Hatt called from Nordegg wildfire.
He goes on to say the community was appreciative of their commitment.
“They thanked us very much, and I told them if there was ever another time, by all means call us, we should be able to help,” said Bachynski.
Recent cooler temperatures and moisture have helped to drop the risk of wildfires, although there is still fire bans in much of south central Alberta.
“We go through this every spring. It depends a lot on humidity conditions, how cold it gets at night and if there is dew forming. There are many factors that play in to it,” said Bachynski.
Currently there is no fire ban in place for Drumheller. There are still bans in the County of Stettler, and Special Areas 2 and 3, and a fire prevention notice in Kneehill County.
