North Westside firefighters already have a winter project lined up.
While the snow is falling, they’ll add shelving and storage bins to a new 14-foot utility trailer purchased by the non-profit fire society for $7,400. It will house sprinkler and forestry equipment.
“The sprinkler and forestry equipment is designed to protect 15 homes from a threatening wildfire,” said Jason Satterthwaite, fire chief.
“The department has been training for several years now in sprinkler deployment. Having this equipment stored in a properly set up trailer will be a big help in training our members to a higher level as well as providing a speedy response and defense in the event of a large wildland urban interface fire that threatens the community.”
All North Westside firefighters are members of the non-profit Society, which determines where funds raised will be spent. It often goes to equipment outside of the regular fire department equipment budget.
This equipment is then donated by the Society and becomes part of the regular fire department equipment inventory.
“I credit the ongoing support from residents throughout the North Westside communities for helping it put those generous donations made over the past year to good use,” said Shawn Barnes, society president.
“A record amount was raised during last summer’s annual community barbecue and through participation in events like the Fintry Fall Fair.”