Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac gave his department's final statistical report to North Battleford's municipal services committee Monday, a report that featured more than a fair share of dumpster fires.
There were 43 dumpster fires in 2011 compared to 23 in 2010, and that led to increased calls for fire fighting activity during the year for North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services.
There were 460 calls for service in 2011 compared to 341 in 2010. Including the RM responses, the total was 491 for 2011 compared to 370 in 2010.
Among the highlights of MacIsaac's report was the heavy year the city faced in dealing with grass fires. There were 31 calls for ground cover compared to 11 in 2010. In the RM, there were 12 calls compared to four a year ago.
It was also a heavy year for motor vehicle collisions. There were 62 calls for assistance in the city compared to 31 in 2010, and three calls in the RM compared to two the year before.
Residential structural fires were down for the year, though, from 27 to 18. Vehicle fires were also down from 18 to 15.
Deputy Chief Kevin Steinborn reported that during the month of December there weren't any fires caused by careless seasonal activities.
MacIsaac reported the department stepped up its fire prevention activities with more annual fire prevention inspections, up from 272 to 335, and more fire investigations, up from 73 to 97. Public education, approved home inspections and consultations and advisories were also up. Overall, there were 917 such fire prevention activities in 2011 compared to 746 the year before.
Law enforcement was also stepped up. Residential parking tickets were up to 3,686 from 2,456 a year earlier, and downtown parking tickets were up to 550 from 245.
