Fire Chief Ken Melnyk,
High Prairie Fire Department
As I am writing this we are getting another emergency alarm call from our 911 dispatch, to respond to a fire in a field.

I call the call back number, only to find out it is a person driving down the highway and they see flames and fire. After checking this call out, we find it is a controlled burn.

I commend the person calling in and reporting a fire, but please ensure that when you do call in, it is an actual fire and not a controlled burn.

Last night at 11:20 p.m., I also received a call from our dispatcher saying that an emergency call had come in and the lady calling could see a glow in the sky to the north of her place. No clue how far away – just to the north of an address. I drove out to the location only to discover that about eight km north of her place a farmer was burning a field of stubble.

Again, I will say, I commend you calling in, but please ensure there is an actual emergency before you do.

I also would at this time wish to encourage anyone who is doing a controlled burn of any kind, be it grass, a field of stubble, brush piles or an old building, even if you have a fire permit, please call in to the fire department and let us know you will be burning. You can bet your last dollar that the first person who drives by and sees flames will be calling 911.

If we are notified we can ensure that 30 volunteer firefighters are not disturbed for any reason while sleeping, working or just with family.

Another thing people need to be aware of is that our fire fighting equipment costs millions of dollars. Every time the trucks are dispatched it costs the taxpayer money.

Also, the firefighters are all men and women like yourselves, who volunteer to do this job. These volunteers like their sleep or spending time with their families as much as you do.

Please do your best to check things out before you call in. My number at the fire hall is [780] 523-3525 or the duty officer on call number is [780] 536-6028.

Please call before you light up. Thank you and have a fire safe year.