NORTH BATTLEFORD — On July 8, the RM of North Battleford Fire Department (FD 437) hosted its annual community barbecue.
Despite being a relatively young department, established just six years ago, the squad has made a significant impact within the community, and this event serves as both a thank you to the residents and a way to foster ongoing support.
Located just off Highway 4 North on the outskirts of North Battleford, the RM fire department operates with a team of at least 20 active firefighters. Fire Chief Aaron McNabb emphasized the importance of teamwork in managing emergencies, particularly when it comes to tackling grass and field fires.
“You have to work as a group,” he said.
McNabb explained that while water is often the first response to fires, in many cases, machinery plays a critical role. Given the department’s size, they rely on agreements with local residents who own larger equipment, allowing for a quick response when emergencies arise.
“The community has been incredibly supportive,” McNabb added, highlighting the partnerships with local farmers who maintain large tanks of water ready for fire emergencies. Even if they are not actively using the water for their own needs, these farmers remain committed to keeping their tanks full, ensuring that assistance is always available when needed.
With this network of support, the RM Fire Department has access to 100,000 gallons of water via trucks, in addition to 100 gallons stored in ground tanks.
Kailyn Simon, a communications worker for the fire department, echoed the sentiment of community involvement, stating, “We’ve never had anyone ever ask to step off the list. People want to protect their land and they are willing to help any way they can.”
The community barbecue is not just a meal; it's a celebration of solidarity and shared responsibility.
“That’s the kind of community support that we want to give back to today,” Simon said.
