Elks Point calls for more Fire Fighter Volunteers

Throughout the upcoming year, the County of St. Paul, Town of Elk Point and the Elk Point Volunteer Fire Department are teaming up for a recruiting campaign for volunteer fire fighters.

The situation in the Elk Point region is critical. Without a fully staffed fire department, it would require a minimum 20-30 minute response time for the St. Paul Fire Department to respond. There are potentially some additional consequences for resident if the Elk Point Fire Department cannot increase staffing. For example, insurance premiums are negatively affected by the distance a dwelling or
structure is from a fire hall. It is in the best interest of area residents to become engaged and volunteer.

The department has seen increases in the number of calls over the years particularly to attend motor vehicle collisions. Like many fire departments across Alberta it is difficult to find volunteers in smaller rural communities. In Elk Point’s situation many of the current volunteers work outside of the community and are unable to respond to calls during the day.

The County of St. Paul and the Town of Elk Point jointly oversee the Elk Point Fire Department. There are currently fewer than ten active members in the Elk Point Fire Department. Ideally, we would like to see that number around 20 for an area of our size.

The Elk Point Fire District services the Town of Elk Point, the Hamlets of Lindbergh, Riverview and Heinsburg as well as the Divisions 1 & 2 in the County of St. Paul. The Fire District services approximately 3,000 residents.

The County and Town strongly encourage local businesses in the region to allow their employees who are volunteer fire fighters the time off work to respond to calls. One day it may be your home or business on fire or a motor vehicle accident you or your family is involved in that requires emergency services.

Some of the basic requirements for volunteer fire fighters include:

• Must be eighteen years of age or older
• Have a valid class 5 driver’s license
• Be in good health and physically fit
• Live in the response area

Anyone interested in volunteering their time is welcome to call the County Office at (780) 645-3301 ext. 204, the Town of Elk Point Office at (780) 645-3810, or the Elk Point Fire Chief at (780) 614-8534.

Interested parties are also welcoming to attend Fire Practice on Mondays at 7:00 pm at the Elk Point Fire Hall.