CARLYLE — Forest fires started early this year, and it has been an ongoing battle to bring them under control.
Over the past few months, local fire departments have offered to go north and help. Volunteers from Carlyle, Carnduff and Manor fire departments travelled to the region.
Rob Klassen, deputy chief of the Carlyle Fire Department for 12 years, went north from July 3 to 11. Klassen, along with Wayne Zandee, Zane Vanderhulst and Jason Kationa, were stationed in Beauval.
They also brought their Wildland truck unit, a Chevy 350 one-ton that holds a 250-gallon tank and has a 20-horsepower pump. Klassen said the truck can handle the soft and sandy terrain in the north.
During their stay, duties ranged from spraying power poles with protective gel, to patrolling hot spots, and controlling burns along cut lines.
“Each morning there is a meeting, and we are told what we will be doing,” said Klassen.
They also monitored resorts and anglers’ camps near the fire lines. Much of the fire reached the fences of Beauval properties, but Klassen said no homes were lost at that time.
One hundred type-one firefighters from Quebec also joined the battle, along with others from Australia and Mexico. Type-one crews are full-time professionals who work in the most dangerous hot zones.
The military sent 300 contractors to help as well, and in total 10 fire departments assisted in the fight.
With harvest beginning, Klassen said it is harder for volunteers to get away. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, departments call to see who is available to relieve others who need to return home.
“It is hard to grasp the magnitude of the fires,” said Klassen. “I will go again if needed.”
Klassen added that most who went north or responded to fire calls hold full-time jobs, and he is grateful employers have supported them by allowing time off.
