Man perishes in fire northeast of Dewberry; community rallies

One person has passed away following a housefire near Dewberry over the weekend.

On Saturday morning, just past 5 a.m., a report of a residential structure fire was called into the County of Vermilion River – Protective Services dispatch centre. 

Firefighters from Dewberry Fire & Rescue, Clandonald Fire and County #9-1, (Chief Hughes), northeast of Dewberry, arrived on the scene. 

The house was ablaze with visible flames and smoke, forcing additional crews from Marwayne Fire & Rescue and Vermilion Fire & Rescue Society were called to help. 

When crews tried to push into the house, the structure was showing signs of collapse, which forced firefighters to move into a defensive situation, said Kirk Hughes, Director of Protective Services.

Firefighters from four stations battled the blaze for several hours, but many other organizations, families, and the community by and large came to help out.

Due to the result of the fire, the lone person in the home at the time of the fire passed away.

“Early morning structure fires are always difficult as the presence of people inside is higher due to the fact that most people are asleep at that time,” said Hughes. 

“They came together so fast, and everyone pitched in. It was truly remarkable as everyone pulled together to help.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation but is not deemed suspicious at this time.

 

Community steps up 

The Protective Services team gave special shoutouts.

• Reimer family (who ploughed the snow and lane way allowing tankers to get through to deliver water)
• Emcon Services Inc. Dewberry Office who attended and dropped off loads of sand to allow crews and apparatus to gain traction
• Selte Fuels Inc. for bringing diesel to the scene to fill front-line pumper/engines
• Medavie Health Services West for medical over watch
• Vermilion RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta) & County Peace Officers who controlled traffic flow and managed the entry points
• Lloydminster Fire Department for their assistance in fire cause determination
• Islay Fire & Kitscoty Fire Department for providing fire coverage during the event and afterwards
• County of Vermilion River Public Works who arranged for source water supply, flat beds and heavy equipment
• Local churches and residents who dropped off food and coffee and many more that can’t possibly be listed 

Community sheds support 

Many images of the Dewberry Fire and Rescue logo were branded with the name of Lyle Wyness.

 

The Northeast Zone Hockey Referees shared its condolences on his passing.

“Lyle’s dedication to his passions was admirable and at times comical, most visibly when he’d both officiate and drive the Zamboni in the same game,” it said.

Hockey Alberta chimed in as well.

“Our condolences to Lyle’s family. His dedication to minor hockey in Alberta will be forever appreciated and honoured. Thank you for making our game better.”