Fire services funding and equipment needs were front and centre at the County of St. Paul council meeting on March 11, as Ashmont Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Preston presented his department’s 2025 annual report while council debated funding for firefighter bunker gear.

Preston began his presentation by recognizing the dedication of the department’s volunteers and the partnerships that support emergency response across the region.

“It is always a great honour to lead this dedicated group of volunteers in our community,” Preston said. “Their selfless dedication and sacrifice to help others is something to behold.”

He also acknowledged the collaboration between fire departments, EMS, RCMP and municipal staff that helps ensure emergency services run smoothly throughout the county.

“Without everyone working towards the same goal, our jobs here at the fire department would be much tougher,” he told council.

Fire calls return to normal levels

Preston said 2025 was a calmer year compared to the extreme wildfire seasons of 2023 and 2024.

“It was much relief to all of us that despite the dry conditions we faced last year our fire season was much slower than the past two years,” he said.

The department responded to 50 calls in 2025, with members spending 559.5 hours on calls.

Most incidents involved minor motor vehicle collisions and small outside fires, though the department also responded to a fatal collision and a structure fire at one of its members’ homes.

New rapid attack truck strengthens response

One of the department’s biggest achievements in 2025 was the completion of a new Rapid Attack brush truck, which was built with support from the County of St. Paul.

The truck project began in 2024 and was completed in 2025 with assistance from county Public Works staff.

“With the support of council in purchasing the truck and the Public Works staff who fabricated and put the whole project together, it was a great accomplishment to complete this project at a fraction of the cost of buying a premade stock unit,” Preston said.

The truck allows firefighters to respond quickly to grass fires and rural emergencies while carrying wildland firefighting equipment and traffic control tools.

Volunteer recruitment remains challenge

The Ashmont department currently has 18 active volunteer members, which Preston described as a strong but small team.

However, staffing during daytime emergencies remains difficult.

“Having members around for daytime calls continues to be a challenge due to most employment being outside of the community,” he said.

Recruitment efforts typically bring in one or two new members per year, but similar numbers often leave for work opportunities elsewhere.

Preston said the department focuses heavily on retention by creating a strong team environment.

“Retention work includes team building and making sure everyone here feels that they are part of an extended family,” he said.

Training programs improving firefighter certification

Training remains a key focus for the department, with bi-monthly sessions helping members maintain their skills.

More than half of the department’s members have now completed their NFPA 1001 firefighter certification, which is part of a regional training program.

Preston credited the regional training system and the new training facility built at the county shop for helping firefighters gain certification more efficiently.

“This has been a great success for our entire region and all our memberships,” he said.

Rising equipment costs raising concerns

Despite a quieter year for emergency calls, Preston warned that rising equipment costs are creating increasing pressure on fire department budgets.

“The cost to equip one firefighter with all PPE and radio has nearly doubled in the past five to six years,” he said.

Protective equipment such as bunker gear must be replaced regularly as it ages or reaches safety limits.

These costs became a topic of discussion later in the meeting when council reviewed a request to use $20,000 from a joint equipment replacement reserve to purchase new bunker gear for the St. Paul Fire Department.

Administration explained that bunker gear typically needs replacement after about ten years due to safety standards.

Council was told the St. Paul Fire Department plans to replace bunker gear for 39 firefighters over the next four years, with estimated costs of approximately $175,000.

Some councillors said they wanted more information before approving the funding, including how the reserve fund has been used historically and whether similar requests could come from other departments across the county.

“If we’re doing it for one, we need to do it for all,” one councillor said during discussion.

Council ultimately voted to table the request and asked administration to provide more details about the reserve fund and potential long-term costs.

Future equipment replacements already on horizon

Looking ahead, Preston said the department does not anticipate purchasing any major vehicles for several years after acquiring a used tanker from the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority in 2026.

However, other equipment upgrades will eventually be required.

The department’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems were purchased in 2007 and will likely need replacement within the next several years.

“Replacement should be considered in the 20–25 year range,” Preston said.

Despite the financial pressures, Preston said the department remains committed to serving the community and preparing for future emergencies.

“Although 2025 turned out to be fairly quiet for major emergencies within our response area, we will be ready for whatever 2026 brings,” he said.

He concluded by thanking council and county staff for their continued support.

“I would like to thank the county staff and council for their support in the past year and look forward to working with everyone again in 2026,” Preston said.