County of Vermilion River respond to industrial fire

A report of an arching power line in the industrial area of Blackfoot that was raining sparks near a structure and causing a grass fire sent Blackfoot Fire and Rescue, County #9-1, the RCMP, and ATCO out to Production Avenue on Monday.

On April 18, at 3:36 p.m., Deputy Chief McGerrigle was first on-scene and located the source of the sparking wires, isolated the area, and established command. A small grass fire was extinguished and first arriving crews began monitoring for any structural extension. None were located.

The wires and transformer were inspected and fixed by ATCO. Any report of a fire in the industrial area often summons a large response from County firefighters.

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“The Blackfoot Industrial corridor contains several industrial parks that contain everything from manufacturing facilities to commercial, gas & oil suppliers and agricultural dealers,” County Fire Chief Kirk Huges said. “The area is vital to the growth of the County of Vermilion River, and the entire region really, so any emergency within those boundaries results in a large-scale response from protective services. So, in the case of yesterday’s fire call, a full-station response was initiated automatically resulting in County assets, such as our Engine, Tanker, and Rapid Responder being toned out alongside the County Fire Chief, RCMP, and any required utility companies. Thankfully, this fire call was quickly determined to not warrant a multiple-alarm response, but the County Fire Service has a detailed plan in the event of such an incident occurring, which could include responses from other County Fire Stations such as Paradise Valley, Marwayne, and Kitscoty or our mutual aid partners such as Lloydminster Fire. We are prepared for any eventuality in that area, but we do rely on early detection in order to quell any fires.

Firefighters returned to quarters shortly after 4:00 p.m.

“If you see fire or hear alarm bells ringing: call 9-1-1,” Huges concluded.