Exciting improvements coming for Blue Ridge Fire Department

A 30×44, two-bay expansion will be added to the Blue Ridge Fire Hall, allowing the crew to house all of their equipment in one facility.  Blue Ridge Fire Chief, Gerry Bizier, says the addition is welcomed, “the training capabilities here are pretty tight.  Usually when we host a course we have about 20 students and you need room where you can do the physical work and it just doesn’t work in here.”  There will also be a small gym, included in the training area as well.  Along with the bay expansion, the department is also bringing in a new engine with delivery slated for early to late spring, “it’ll be with all the bells and whistles and new technologies, including compressed air foam.”

With fire prevention at the forefront this month, Chief Bizier and his fire fighters wanted to share helpful tips to stay safe.  “Our message is to ensure you test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries.  Also, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector, it’s very important.”  Homeowners are also reminded to change their batteries, “10 years is the lifespan and it can be shortened in dust or dirty environments.  Even if they seem to be working, they should be replaced at least every 10 years if not sooner.”  It’s very easy to assume your detectors are working when you don’t hear them regularly so making a point to check twice a year is a great plan to have, “It’s easy to remember spring and fall.  So check at both those times.”

Chief also touched base on being prepared for emergencies when getting out of the house is top priority, and what to do once you’re out. “Preplan with your family and teach your kids, when they go out, don’t come back in.  And have a plan where you meet at a specific spot because then everybody goes to that spot and they’re not going back in looking for mom and dad.  Practice it.  If you preplan, things go smoother.”  He also added a tidbit that, though it might seem silly at first read, is actually incredibly smart; put your address near your phone.  In emergencies, it’s very easy to become overwhelmed, “when people have an emergency, they panic, and sometimes they don’t remember their address.”  Definitely something to add to your safety plan whether it’s at home, while travelling or out hunting; know where you are.

With the colder weather setting in, many residents will be sparking up wood stoves to keep warm and Chief reminds homeowners to make sure they check key areas, prior to lighting a fire.  “Clean your chimneys, eaves troughs and make sure your wood pile is at least 30ft from your home.”  He also pointed out to make sure your stoves are meeting regulations especially where clearance is concerned.  On windy days, you don’t want embers to light up dry leaves trapped along your roof.  For those out hunting and enjoying the freshly fallen snow, always remember that if you light a fire you need to “pour on it and stir it and make sure it’s out.  Even though it’s in the fall, it can dry up in a matter of days” said Chief.

The Blue Ridge Fire Department consists of 18-20 fire fighters and often works with other communities. “We piggyback with Whitecourt because they are pretty busy with the fire prevention curriculum at the different locations, so our people love to go and help them.”  The communities also support each other in emergencies as Chief Bizier said “probably 50% of our calls we are doing mutual aide with Whitecourt” adding that they also have 5 members part of the mutual aide agreement with Blue Ridge Lumber.  Working together as much as they do has built a great foundation which serves to offer residents of both communities a solid group of capable fire fighters here to keep us all safe.