This past month your fire department has attended six emergencies:

January 19, 2016 / Rhonda Gustafson

In the early evening on Christmas Day members responded to a call for mutual aid from Eckville Fire Department. A rural residence was on fire and a short while later Bentley was stood down as Eckville had the situation under control.
On December 26 at 3:58 am eight firefighters were sent to a single-vehicle accident on Highway #12, just west of RR 1-1. A van had left the road and gotten stuck in the south ditch. The driver had self-extricated and was examined by EMS while RCMP conducted their investigation.
Around suppertime on December 28 members were summoned to a home in Gull Lake Village where alarms were ringing. The tenant had an problem with the wood stove damper and the issue was soon resolved.
At 2:53 pm on December 29 crews were sent to a structure fire at a rural residence. Eckville Fire Department was called on for mutual aid as a precaution, then stood down once the incident became manageable. The house had filled with smoke due to another wood stove incident, so the homeowner evacuated and called 911. Once the smoke cleared firefighters thoroughly inspected it using the thermal imaging camera and gas meter and the resident was able to move back in.
On January 10 at 6:56 am a call was received of alarms ringing at a rural business. Crews stood down once the alarm company called to report it a false alarm.
And on January 12 at 10:22 pm seven members were sent to Lake Trail Estates where yet another alarm was ringing. A neighbour had heard the commotion and called 911. An unoccupied mobile home was involved and the owner was unreachable, so firefighters gained entry and checked the unit for elevated levels of carbon monoxide and signs of heat and smoke. None were found, so the home was re-secured and management informed before crews left the scene.

Bentley District Fire Department has had a remarkably busy year!

In 2015 we responded to 90 emergencies. These included:

21- Alarms Ringing
2- Structure Fire
15- Mutual Aid
27- Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
12- Medical
10- Outside Fire
2- Gas Leak Investigation
1- Boat Fire

We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy 2016!

What Does That Flashing Green Light Mean?

January 13, 2016 / Rhonda Gustafson

Most Alberta drivers are familiar with the flashing red emergency lights and sirens on ambulances, police cars and fire trucks, and law states that they are required to pull to the right and stop when they see or hear them coming. But not everyone knows about the volunteer Firefighter's flashing green light.

In large cities, emergency vehicles are driven by full-time personnel who use red lights and sirens to get to the emergency scene quickly.

For smaller communities and in rural areas fire protection is provided by volunteers, who most often respond to emergencies in their own private vehicle. These vehicles do not have red lights or sirens to make them stand out from any other car or truck.

When a call comes in, a firefighter may be at his or her regular job, out with the family or sleeping in the middle of the night. They drop everything and immediately respond to the fire hall to drive the fire trucks to the scene.

The flashing green light, usually mounted near the rearview mirror, is used as an identifier to the drivers of other vehicles so they may, as a courtesy, give up their right-of-way and allow the firefighter to get to the hall unhampered.

If you see a vehicle with a flashing green light you now know it's one of us on our way to help someone in our community. Please let us by as soon as it is safe to do so...Remember, the life or property we are trying to save may be that of a friend, a neighbour or even your own!

This past month your fire department has been called out to nine emergencies:

December 22, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

Early in the morning on November 25th nine members were sent to help Eckville Fire Department with a structure fire in their area. The home was fully involved upon arrival, but all occupants were out, so the fire was kept from spreading and finally extinguished.
Later that same afternoon firefighters responded to a medical assist call in Bentley. CPR was performed on the patient until EMS arrival then crews assisted with loading the patient for the trip to the hospital.
At 7:12 pm on November 26 nine members were called to help Eckville with another structure fire. The old house had sawdust insulation in the attic space, which was smoking heavily. The residents had exited the building and firefighters doused the trouble spots from the roof and chimney areas.
Later that night crews were sent to an emergency at a rural residence. The occupant was having issues with the thermostat and the house was becoming hotter and hotter. The issue was resolved for the night and the homeowner was advised to have a professional look at the system the next day.
In the evening on December 2 firefighters raced to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident on Highway #20, just south of Highway #12. A northbound and southbound vehicle collided, with one going down a steep embankment and one hitting the guardrail after the collision. Both drivers were out of their vehicles and miraculously not seriously injured. Traffic had to be carefully controlled in the dark while awaiting tow trucks, then the highway was cleaned up and re-opened.
On December 15th crews were called to a residence in Sunbreaker Cove where alarms were ringing. Members were stood down en route once a false alarm was ascertained.
A few hours later firefighters were sent to the Westview Apartments where a resident had collapsed and lay on the floor unable to move for quite some time before a neighbour heard cries for help. Crews assisted EMS with carefully loading the patient into an ambulance to be taken to hospital.
On December 17 a call was received of alarms ringing, this time at a Bentley home. Eight members responded to what turned out to be a false alarm.
And mid morning on December 18 crews were called back to Westview Apartments where another resident had collapsed. Firefighters assisted EMS with loading the patient, who was now conscious, into the ambulance for the trip to the hospital.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter? If you are 16 years of age or older, The Bentley District. Fire Department would like to invite you to our Recruitment Open House, for interested volunteers only, which will be held at the fire hall on January 23, 2016 from 10 am to 4 pm. Come and meet some of our members and learn more about what we do.

We look forward to meeting you and explaining this opportunity!

Your Fire Department has been kept busy this month with eight calls to report:

November 20, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

Shortly after midnight on October 21 nine members responded to a mutual aid call from Lacombe for a structure fire in town. A single family home was fully involved upon arrival but all residents were safely out, so the fire was kept from spreading to the neighbouring houses until it was finally extinguished. Crews spent 3 1/2 hours working until they were released by the LFD.
At 8:13 am on October 24 a call came in of an accident at the intersection of Highways #12 and #20. Two vehicles were involved and both drivers were cared for until EMS arrival. Traffic was managed during the morning commute and the roadway was cleaned up and then re-opened.
On October 25 at 3:56 pm eight members were called to a rural residence south of town where an older gentleman had reportedly been kicked in the ribs by a cow. Crews were stood down en route as the situation became manageable.
At 4:28 pm on October 27 thirteen members raced to the scene of a large hay barn fire at a dairy farm on Highway #12, across from the Lacombe County office buildings. Bentley, Blackfalds and Clive Fire Departments assisted Lacombe FD in setting up portable ponds for rural water supply while Tenders were kept busy shuttling water to the scene. Traffic control was in place on the busy highway as there was plenty to see! The hay barn affected was adjacent to the highway with a thick treed area in between so firefighters created paths to run hose lines where they were needed. Fortunately the fire was kept from spreading to any of the many other buildings nearby. Bentley crews spent up to 13 hours on the scene before being released.
On October 28 a call was received of alarms ringing at the Bentley High School. This was investigated and deemed a false alarm.
Around suppertime on November 4 seven members responded to a Mutual Aid call from Eckville Fire Department. Crews were stood down en Route as Eckville had the situation under control.
Half an hour later at 6:38 pm another Mutual Aid call was received, this time from Lacombe's fire department, to respond to a large brush fire on Lincoln Road, near the Lincoln Hall. A large pile of logs were on fire and threatening a treed area nearby. No one was monitoring this burn and it took a couple of hours to extinguish.
And on November 6 at 2:51 am firefighters were summoned to a rural area west of Bentley, on RR 1-4 and Twp 41-0. A single vehicle accident had been reported, but upon arrival it was noted that the car affected simply would not start! The two occupants were checked by EMS and firefighters remained on scene until RCMP arrived to conduct their investigation.

Have you considered becoming involved in a fascinating, ever-changing and worthwhile volunteer opportunity? Bentley District Fire Department is looking for people willing to help friends and neighbours in their community. If this sounds like something that you would find interesting, click on the 'recruiting' tab or click this link: www.bentleyfire.ca/recruiting/

We look forward to meeting you!

Your fire department has been sent to several calls this past month:

October 24, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

At 7:17 am on September 26 eleven members attended a single-vehicle accident scene on Woody Nook Road, across from the Woody Nook Church. A southbound truck had left the road and hit a power pole, breaking it off near its base, then plowed through a fence and hit a sizeable spruce tree head-on. The power pole was still energized so firefighters carefully searched the area for the driver who had self-extricated. RCMP located the driver about a mile further down the road. The scene was secured until the utility company was notified and the line de-energized.
On October 10 at 5:10 pm crews were sent south of Bentley to a combine on fire. The farmers working the field had extinguished the fire, but it was checked with the thermal imaging camera and foam was used to smother the hot spots and prevent re-ignition.
About suppertime on October 14 firefighters responded to a call of alarms ringing at a Bentley home. Crews were met at the door by the resident and were informed of a cooking mishap which had set off the smoke alarm. The house was checked over as a precaution then the scene was cleared.
At 1:32 pm on October 15 a call was received of a 2-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highways #12 and #20 west of town. An eastbound car and a northbound truck with a pipe-loaded trailer had collided, injuring both drivers. The truck ended up in the east ditch, upside-down under the trailer which had spilled its contents. Leaking diesel was collected in a container to avoid contaminating the area. Traffic was helpfully controlled by Alberta Highways personnel and the scene was attended by several RCMP units. EMS tended to the patients, both of whom were sent by ambulance to hospital. The area was secured while the investigation was completed then firefighters cleaned up the highway before leaving the scene.
And on October 18 at 12:35 am eight members were sent to a Mutual Aid call in Lacombe. A four-plex was on fire and crews from Lacombe, Bentley and Blackfalds were put to work. Fortunately, all the residents had been safely evacuated. Firefighters discovered two cats in one of the units and brought them safely out. Items from each unit were carefully removed before the fire could destroy them. The blaze was eventually extinguished and the homes thoroughly inspected for hidden hot spots, then the dirty work of overhaul was begun.

Thanks to all of our friends and neighbours who attended Bentley Fire Department's Open House on October 13. We had lots of fun putting you in bunker gear and BA's and running you through our obstacle courses. You are a great bunch of good sports and we appreciate our community's support!

This past month your fire department has been dispatched to nine emergencies:

September 22, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

On August 21 at 4:28 am a call came in of alarms ringing at a Bentley residence. Nine members responded to what turned out to be a false alarm.
On the night of August 31 thirteen members responded to a vehicle fire on Aspelund Road, just west of Woody Nook Road. The car started smoking while in motion and was brought safely to the shoulder by the driver, who evacuated through the window as the door lock mechanism was by now not functioning. Firefighters worked for some time to extinguish the flames and quite a bit of foam was used to do so. The driver was shaken up but fortunately not injured.
In the late evening on August 31 firefighters were called to an accident on Highway 12 and RR 1-1. A car driving westbound toward Bentley shot off the road and into a thick treed shelter belt. The vehicle was impossible to see from the road and upon closer inspection it was noted that the driver had self-extricated. With help from Lacombe Fire Department a search was conducted but no one was found. A tow truck was called to remove the embedded vehicle from the property.
On September 1st members responded to an outside fire north of Aspelund Road on RR 1-1. Nine crews worked to contain a stubble fire which had apparently been started by hot machinery working the field. It was soon safely extinguished.
A call on September 7 directed firefighters to Gull Lake where a watercraft was in distress near Meridian Beach. Alberta Parks were alerted so their rescue boat could be utilize, just as it was launched we were informed that a Good Samaritan had seen their plight and was towing them in. The two people on board had been unsuccessful in getting the motor to start.
Shortly after suppertime on September 10 crews raced to a rural residence where a youngster had been struck by debris ejected by a lawnmower. A STARS landing zone setup had been requested but upon arrival it was established travel by ambulance was sufficient. The child was later transported by air ambulance to Calgary and was thankfully doing much better by the next day.
On September 15 seven members attended the scene of a vehicle fire on Twp Rd 41-0, west of Bentley. A truck reported stolen had been set on fire and abandoned near a well site. Firefighters put out the smoking remains so it could be safely towed off the property.
At 4:28 pm on September 18 crews were sent to a business in Bentley where a natural gas line had been compromised. ATCO Gas crews were on site to fix the issue and firefighters stood by ready to contain issues if they arose. Fortunately the process was completed without further incident.
And on September 21 at about 11 am a call was received of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway #12 and RR 28-2. A fully loaded gravel truck and pup trailer heading west on the highway had collided with a pickup truck and empty trailer which had been attempting to cross it. A safe working area around the scene was set up and traffic had to be carefully managed while the two drivers were attended to. No life-threatening injuries were sustained although EMS carefully assessed and advised them. Firefighters then cleaned up the highway so traffic flow could be restored.

Bentley District Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, October 13 from 6-8 p.m. If you have wondered what we do on our training nights every Monday then come on over to the Fire Hall and have a look. We will have lots of fun activities for kids and adults too. Find out what being a firefighter is really like!

We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

This has been an unusually quiet month for your fire department:

August 20, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

On July 29 at 2:24 pm firefighters were sent to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident at the entrance to Brewer's Campground on Highway #12 east of town. A vehicle turning into the campground had been struck from behind by a truck and was heavily damaged. Fortunately the four occupants were not badly hurt and the lone driver of the truck also escaped serious injury. Traffic was carefully controlled while the patients were cared for awaiting EMS arrival. None required transport to hospital.
Around suppertime on July 30, a call came in of an ATV accident in Bentley. The driver of the quad had rolled the vehicle over and had hit the pavement headfirst. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a helmet and sustained quite a few injuries. Members carefully prevented him from moving until the ambulance arrived to transport him to the hospital. The accident area was cleaned up after RCMP released the scene.
In the early morning hours of August 2, ten members were sent to a residence in the Sylvan Lake area where alarms were sounding. The alarm appeared to have been tampered with, setting it off. No elevated levels of any gases were detected on the monitor so the whole house was inspected before giving the all-clear. The homeowner was advised to have the system checked by a professional.
On August 8 at 2:23 pm a medical assist was requested on the main street in Bentley. Several firefighters left their posts at the Show-n-Shine barbecue to help a patient who was experiencing an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Members aided the patient until EMS arrived to administer further care.
And on August 11 at 1:46 am crews were alerted to an outside fire on RR 1-4, just north of Highway #12 west of Bentley. Citizens concerned about the blaze called 911 and summoned RCMP as well as the fire department. It appeared that some young people were enjoying a bonfire in the woods. The fire was extinguished before it could spread to the nearby trees.

All of us at Bentley District Fire Department had a wonderful time at Bentley's Centennial Rodeo weekend. A huge thank you to all who
came by to visit us at the Show-n-Shine and have a bite to eat at our concession- your support of our volunteers is greatly appreciated!

Your fire department has been kept hopping this past month with all manner of emergencies:

July 24, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

Over the lunch hour a call came in of a single vehicle accident at RR 28-3 and Twp 39-0. Crews were stood down as all occupants were safely out of the vehicle and all roadways were clear.
On June 28 at 8:36 am Firefighters were alerted to alarms ringing at a rural residence. This was determined to be a false alarm and crews were stood down en route.
Early in the morning of June 28 members responded to a mutual aid call from Eckville, whose department was on its way to a structure fire in their area, at Hwy #12 and RR 4-0. Bentley was stood down once Eckville had their emergency under control.
On July 2 at 9:15 am a call was received of alarms ringing at a residence in Sunbreaker Cove. The homeowner was at home and informed us the incident was due to burned food and this was ruled a false alarm.
At 6:31 pm on July 11 nine members were sent to Bentley's Transfer Station where burning items in the burn pit jumped the berm and ignited the grass in the south ditch, traveling to the west. This was extinguished before it could continue further.
An hour later the same evening members rushed to the aid of Lacombe who was busy with a vehicle fire on Hwy #2 just south of Hwy #12 near Fraserway RV.
On July 12 at suppertime seven members were sent to an alarms call at a cabin in Sunbreaker Cove. The homeowners were contacted and we were informed this was a little cooking mishap and again, ruled a false alarm.
At 5:29 pm on July 12 eight members were sent to another alarms call at a rural residence. This time the smoke alarm was triggered by some renovation work being done nearby. The homeowner contacted the alarm company and we were stood down.
On the morning of July 16 firefighters responded to a call of a vehicle fire on RR 1-1, just north of Aspelund Road. A truck had been dumped and set on fire. No one was inside but the burning vehicle was threatening the crop field nearby and was doused with water and foam and was extinguished.
And on July 19 at 4:13 pm five members attended the scene of a motorcycle vs deer collision on Hwy #12, just west of RR 2-4. The rider had been struck and admirably managed to bring the bike to a stop without crashing. Firefighters monitored the patient and managed the traffic until EMS arrived. The rider was taken to hospital with possible broken bones, but in remarkably good spirits! Thank you to the people who were first on this scene and stopped to help and provide information for us.

The Bentley District Fire Department is looking forward to meeting all our friends and neighbours, as well as visitors to Bentley, at our upcoming Centennial! Please look for us on Saturday, August 8 at the Show-n-Shine near the grain elevator. We will be serving a delicious lunch from 10 am to 2 pm. We'd love to see you there!

This past month the BFD has attended several calls:

June 30, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

On May 19 at 4:42 pm nine members responded to a mutual aid call from Lacombe Fire Department. Two hours were spent battling a structure fire in that city.
In the early morning hours of May 20 firefighters assisted Sylvan Lake EMS in driving a Bentley patient to hospital in Red Deer.
Midmorning on May 26 thirteen members were sent to help Lacombe with an outside fire. Crews were stood down en route as the situation became manageable.
On May 27 firefighters responded to a call of alarms ringing at a rural business. Members were stood down once a false alarm had been ascertained.
Shortly after noon on May 29 crews were sent to the Bentley Transfer Station where the compacted material in one of the burn pits had self-ignited. The site supervisor noticed smoke issuing from the pile and, knowing a burn ban was in place, called 911. The fire had grown quickly and the pit was fully involved upon arrival and took some time to extinguish.
A Structural Search and Rescue course was hosted in May by the BFD. An older unused residence was kindly made available to members of Lacombe, Eckville and Bentley fire departments. Various scenarios were practiced in order to be better prepared in an actual emergency.
In the early evening of June 3 firefighters raced to the scene of a one-vehicle accident on Highway #12 near RR 28-3. A westbound vehicle had hit some loose gravel on the shoulder and lost control, flipping several times and coming to rest on its side in the south ditch. The driver had to be cut free and was carefully extricated then turned over to the care of EMS. Highway traffic was carefully managed throughout the procedure and the patient was sent to the hospital. Thank you to the witnesses and those first on the scene who remained to help.
On June 4 at 1:01 pm a call was received of alarms ringing at a rural residence. Crews were stood down once the homeowner had been contacted and a false alarm was determined. A cooking incident was the cause.
And at 10:34 am on June 11 members responded to another alarms call at another rural home. Firefighters stood down once again after contacting the homeowner and confirming a false alarm.

Have you considered volunteering?

Bentley District Fire Department is looking for committed individuals who are interested in serving their community. If this is a position in which you can see yourself please visit our recruiting page for more information.

We would love to hear from you!

This spring your fire department has been kept very busy:

May 19, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

At 4:33 pm on March 16 crews were sent to a residence in Sunbreaker Cove where alarms were ringing. Firefighters were stood down en route as it was determined to be a false alarm.
On March 18 around suppertime ten members went again to the same home where the alarms were sounding. Another false alarm was determined.
On April 3 nine firefighters rushed to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident at an intersection in Bentley. Fortunately there were no apparent injuries and both drivers were out of their vehicles upon BFD's arrival. The roadway was cleaned up and traffic flow restored.
Shortly after noon on April 7 six members went to another alarms call, this time in Gull Lake Village. The homeowners were doing renovations near their smoke alarm, triggering it. This was deemed another false alarm.
On April 12 at 5:15 pm twelve firefighters raced to help Lacombe Fire Department, who were already busy fighting a grassfire, with a 2-house fire in their city. The houses were both fully engulfed and no people were trapped inside so all the firefighters concentrated their efforts on saving the neighbouring homes. 5 hours were spent battling this blaze.
Midafternoon the next day fourteen members were called to a rural property where fence repair welding resulted in a grassfire. The fire was extinguished, helped along by two bobcats which were handily on scene. The BFD soaked down the area to prevent re-ignition.
Shortly after 9 that same evening crews were sent to a single-motorcycle accident on Highway #12 and RR 28-4. The driver had left the road and sailed into the ditch. The patient had some minor injuries but was conscious and was cared for until EMS arrived. Traffic was carefully managed until the scene was cleared.
On April 23 at 1:56 pm Mutual Aid was requested by Lacombe FD for an outside fire in their area. Our Tender (water truck) and firefighters spent four hours shuttling water to the scene until the burn was extinguished.
Crews attended a grassfire on April 30 on RR 1-0 just north of Aspelund Road. A burn barrel had apparently re-ignited and spread to the adjacent field, fortunately passing by the residence. Crews fought the burn until it was completely out.
On the morning of May 5 the BFD was sent to Aspelund Road just east of Highway #20 where a car and concrete truck had collided. The driver of the truck received minor injuries and the car's driver was taken by STARS to the hospital. Morning commuters had to wait for a bit as some firefighters were busy cutting open the vehicle and extricating the patient while others set up a landing zone on the highway for STARS.
On May 7 the Bentley Transfer Station had some excitement as the ignited burn pit travelled further than was intended and set the adjacent field on fire. Members extinguished the blaze and the area is greening up nicely.
Another fire was reported on May 9, this time on Highway #771 north of town. An old abandoned house was ablaze and upon the BFD's arrival a huge mushroom cloud of flame erupted. No one was hurt but after the fire was put out two large drums of flammable liquid were discovered inside.
Later that same day the BFD were sent to assist EMS with a patient in Bentley.
Another single-motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Highway #12 and RR 28-4 on May 10. Crews tended to the driver and established safe traffic flow until the patient was evaluated by EMS and sent by ambulance to Lacombe hospital.
On May 12 at 3:05 am, eleven members responded to a call for Mutual Aid in Eckville, where two tanks were on fire at a trucking company. Crews were stood down while en route as the situation became manageable.
At 3:27 am on May 16 firefighters attended an accident at Lakeview Campground. The vehicle lost control and struck a tree, injuring the four occupants. Members assisted EMS with the patients, one of which was sent to hospital.
At 9:47 that same morning a call was received of alarms ringing at a Bentley residence. The homeowner was consulted and this too was ruled a false alarm.
And at 5:58 pm the same day eleven members went back to the abandoned house on Highway #771 where the previously extinguished fire had re-ignited. The sawdust insulation inside was completely removed, spread out and covered with foam to smother the entire area.

On May 11 we had some fun at Camp L.G. Barnes instructing the counsellors on the use of fire extinguishers. We all had a great time and hope to continue this annual training event.

Spring is here!! We at the Bentley District Fire Department always have a great time with the Kindergarten classes who come for their Fire Hall tours this time of year. Thanks for the visits, we hope you have learned some interesting things!

It’s that time of year again that people may be looking at burning unwanted rubbish or yard waste.

April 16, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

It is very important that the residents in the town of Bentley understand what is allowed to be burned and when.
Please be aware of the bylaws that have been put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of the town residents. Here are a few bylaw excerpts to help.
If you are a resident of Lacombe County, a fire permit must be acquired as of April 1. Please go to www.lacombecounty.com for more information.
If you must burn, please burn safe.

BY-LAW NO. 100/06
Garbage collection and disposal bylaw

7. Burning Regulations

7.1 Burning is permitted only in metal barrels or drums or incinerators.

7.2 No person shall burn or be responsible for the burning of any rubber, leather, bones, tar paper, treated wood products, plastic or any other material emitting hazardous fumes or an offensive odor, within the limits of the Town of Bentley at any time.

7.3 No person shall burn or be responsible for the burning of any waste, refuse or garbage before sunrise and after sunset on any day of the week and not on Sunday, Monday, or on any recognized holiday.

7.4 Any person who burns is entirely responsible to ensure that the burning takes place without danger to other properties or inconvenience to neighbouring properties and the Town shall in no way be held responsible for any damage or inconvenience experienced.

By-law No. 165/2013
Community Standards By-law

SECTION I – AIR QUALITY

No person shall engage in any activity that is likely to allow smoke, dust or other airborne matter to disturb other people located in adjacent or near-by properties.

By-law No. 128/2008

10. Recreation Fires (Fire Pits and Barbeques)

a) Recreational Fires are permitted, subject to the following specifications;

a required minimum of 3.3 metres (10 feet) clearance, measured from the nearest fire pit edge to building, property line or other combustible materials
the height does not exceed 0.6 metres (23.4 inches) when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening
the pit opening does not exceed 1 metre (39 inches) in width or in diameter when measured between the widest points or the outside edge
it is constructed of enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal or other suitable non-combustible material
it must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult person over the age of 18 until such time as the fire has been completely extinguished. For the purposes of this clause, a fire shall be deemed to include hot ashes and smoldering embers resulting from the fire.
it has a spark arrester mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 centimetres (.75 inch), constructed of expanded metal (or equivalent) to cover the fire pit opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce the hazard of airborne sparks
only wood, charcoal briquettes, manufactured fire logs, fireplace pellets, propane or natural gas are used
the flames do not exceed a height of 91 centimetres (3 feet) above the barbeque or fire pit

15. Illegal Fires
a) Any Enforcement Officer or Member or Employee of the Town may extinguish an illegal fire using whatever apparatus or procedure, at his sole discretion, is deemed appropriate
b) The costs of controlling or extinguishing any illegal fire shall be recovered from the person causing the illegal fire.

This past month your department has been kept busy with various emergencies as well as special training courses.

February 19, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

Shortly after 11 pm on January 23 eleven members were called to an accident on Highway #12 east of RR 1-0. An eastbound tool truck had hit some loose snow along the ditch, veered across the westbound lane and flipped onto its side blocking both lanes of the highway. The driver was already out of the vehicle upon arrival, so the highway was kept closed until tow trucks could right the truck and tow it away. In the meantime, spilled oil and fuel was carefully cleaned up and the road cleared of debris.
On February 23 at 8:30 pm a call was received stating smoke was seen coming from the new fire hall. Crews reported to the hall to see the building shrouded in an eerie fog which may have deceived the caller. An investigation was quickly conducted there as well as the old hall as a precaution. Fortunately, this turned out to be a false alarm.
At 1:54 pm on February 7 the BFD were called to assist Lacombe Fire Department with a snowmobile accident at Woody Nook Road and Aspelund Road. Crews were stood down on route once Lacombe had the situation managed.
At 5:14 am on February 9 firefighters were sent to a 2-vehicle accident on Highway #20 and Aspelund Road. A southbound truck towing a trailer loaded with a skid steer had been hit from behind by a semi. Debris littered the highway so it was closed briefly while crews cleared the area. Both drivers were checked by EMS and fortunately no injuries were sustained.
Midafternoon on February 14 crews were called to assist EMS at a residence in Bentley.

The Bentley Fire Department recently completed their Ice Rescue Certification, held on February 14 and 15, which took place at Sandy Point on Gull Lake. With a large portion of Gull Lake as well as Sylvan Lake falling within the Bentley District Fire Department response area it is important that we are prepared for all emergency situations that may arise, which could include ice/water responses.
Coincidently, within 2 hours of the ice rescue course ending, a call came in for a cold water rescue. Three people,
two of them children, reported being trapped in a vehicle in the ice near Gull Lake Village. Upon our arrival, it was discovered their SUV, which had left the ice road, had gotten stuck in some deep snow and not fallen through the ice as was reported.

If you are willing to risk traveling on our frozen lakes please ensure you are prepared for whatever may come your way. Some tow truck operators will not venture onto the ice to pull you out if you are stuck. We want nothing more than to have all our friends, neighbours, and visitors stay safe during their winter activities!

This past month your fire department has responded to several emergencies;

January 28, 2015 / Rhonda Gustafson

In the early afternoon on December 21 crews were called to the scene of a horrific accident on a very icy Highway #20 just south of Rimbey. A northbound vehicle appeared to have lost control and struck a southbound one, trapping some occupants inside. Firefighters from Bentley and Rimbey worked to cut open the vehicles and carefully extricate the individuals. Injuries were severe and patients were sent by ambulance to hospitals in Rimbey and Red Deer, as well as by STARS to Calgary. Sadly, three people of the six involved succumbed to their injuries.
At 10:50 pm on Christmas Day thirteen members responded to a call of alarms ringing at a rural residence on Centreview Road northwest of Bentley. Elevated levels of carbon monoxide were discovered so the homeowner was advised to leave the house unoccupied until gas and utilities were checked and the unknown cause repaired by a professional.
On December 27 at 1:26 pm firefighters were called again to Highway #20 south of Rimbey where a northbound semi pulling a Frac unit had left the road and driven into the east side ditch, hitting two approaches then veering across the highway and going through a fence before coming to rest, well into a field, on the west side. Fortunately no one was driving south on the highway at the time. The driver refused medical treatment and BFD crews carefully managed traffic on the slippery road until cleanup was complete.
And on January 10 at 7:05 am a call came in of a vehicle which was discovered overturned in the ditch on Highway #12 near Lakeview Campground. It appeared a westbound vehicle had run off the road and rolled into the ditch. The car was on its roof and no occupants were in or around the vehicle so the TIC (thermal imaging camera) was used to search the area. No one was found in the vicinity so the early morning traffic was delayed briefly while firefighters taped off the vehicle and then left the investigation in the hands of the RCMP.

This past month the fire department has been to only a few incidents:

December 19, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

At 6:17 am on December 3rd ten firefighters were dispatched to Sandy Point where a brand-new park model home was on fire. Upon arrival, the house was completely engulfed with a large propane tank still venting. Lacombe Fire Department was called in to assist Bentley, but was stood down once the scene was under control. The department managed the blaze and protected the neighbouring house until the tank hazard was eliminated. The home was completely destroyed, but fortunately had not yet been occupied.
On December 8th at 8:16 am nine members responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Highway #20 north of Bentley. The southbound vehicle had left the slippery road and gone into the west ditch, flipping in the process. Traffic was carefully managed as the highway was extremely treacherous. The two patients were loaded and taken to Lacombe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Special thanks to the passersby who were first on scene and stopped to help.
     And on December 19th at about 5:30 am a call came in of an outside fire southeast of Bentley. No fire was found in the area the caller had described, so a search of the surrounding areas was organized. Thorough investigation turned up no fire, although the bright glow of a greenhouse operation on Gull Lake's east side may have alarmed the caller.

     This winter we urge you to drive with caution and be aware of your surroundings.
No one wants to be involved in an accident and we all want to arrive safely at our destinations.
~
We look forward to helping our community in 2015!

This past month your fire department has been sent to several calls:

November 20, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

At 6:48 pm on October 26, thirteen members responded to a call of smoke alarms ringing at a Bentley residence. The hallway smoke detector was activated as the homeowners cooking went awry.
On October 31 at 10:22 in the morning, BFD crews raced to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Highway #12 and RR 28-2 east of Bentley. A vehicle had left the road and hit an approach which deployed the airbags. The driver was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The vehicle was safely disabled and the area cleaned up. Thank you to the passersby who stopped to help.
A call of an outside fire came in on November 1 at about 3 pm. Crews arrived at the scene on Aspelund Road and RR 28-2 to find the land renter monitoring a controlled burn. This was left in the supervisor's care.
On November 16 at 5:11 pm a call was received of a carbon monoxide alarm ringing at a Bentley home. Crews arrived at the house and detected elevated levels so ATCO Gas was notified. The scene was left in the care of the ATCO technician once it was deemed safe.
Just a half-hour later that same evening the BFD was sent to a fire in the ditch on the south side of Highway #12 west of town. Upon arrival it was discovered a couch was ablaze. Crews doused the furniture and extinguished the burn. Unfortunately, the sofa didn't make it.
And on November 17 at 1:06 pm, twelve members were called to a structure fire in Bentley. A detached garage was fully involved upon our arrival and firefighters quickly knocked the fire down to keep it from spreading to the adjacent house. Fortunately no one was injured.

This past month your fire department responded to a number of calls;

August 25, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

At 5:09 pm on July 17 seven members were sent to a fire at Bentley's transfer station. It turned out to be a controlled burn in the pit and was ruled a false alarm.
On July 27 in the early morning hours firefighters were sent to the scene of a single vehicle accident on Highway #20 just south of Highway #12. A southbound truck had left the road and run along the ditch for quite some distance before rolling and trapping the driver. The patient was freed and treated on scene until EMS arrived. Traffic was managed until the vehicle was removed.
Around 8 pm that same evening the BFD was called to a possible structure fire on Highway #12 just west of Highway #20. Crews arrived to find an older model truck had just been started up and was belching plumes of black smoke.
Early in the morning on July 29, seven members were sent to assist Lacombe Fire Department with a structure fire. Three homes were destroyed but the fire was kept from spreading further and fortunately no one was hurt. On the way back to the hall another call came in of an accident east of Bentley. A car had gone off the road and struck a power pole, rolling and ejecting the driver. The patient was cared for while awaiting EMS. STARS was called and met the ambulance at the Red Deer Hospital while fire crews cleaned up the scene.
On August 4 at 10:01 am members went to a call of a CO alarm ringing at Sunbreaker Cove. The residents had evacuated the house and it was checked for elevated carbon monoxide levels. None were found and the source was not determined so the homeowners were given a new CO detector and advised to call their gas company for further investigation.
The BFD was called out to a mutual aid for a fire in Eckville on August 14. Members were later stood down as the incident was under control.
On August 15 at 3:46 pm crews were dispatched to Bentley's transfer station where an individual had fallen into the trash compactor and landed on their head. The patient was carefully packaged and removed from the bin by firefighters and then sent by ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation.

The Bentley District Fire Department would like to thank everyone involved in the 2014 rodeo weekend.
It was a privilege to be this year's theme and we appreciate your support of this dedicated group of volunteers.

Great job Bentley!

This past month the BFD has been very busy;

July 18, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

At 4:47 pm on June 17 members were called to a grassfire west of Highway #20 near Rimbey. A burn permit was in place but the fire was left unattended and had spread. Crews contained the fire while the landowner was contacted, given further instruction and was left to closely monitor it.
On June 20 about suppertime eleven members responded to a call of alarms ringing at a Bentley residence. The homeowner was stuck in our road construction traffic and couldn't quite make it home in time to contact the alarm company before our crews arrived. A quick investigation was conducted before ruling it a false alarm.
In the early morning hours of June 21 fourteen members raced to the scene of an ATV accident on RR 1-2 immediately north of Bentley. The driver had left the road and struck a power pole. Firefighters administered CPR while awaiting EMS who continued this treatment. Unfortunately the patient succumbed to the injuries sustained.
On June 25 at 10:52 am crews were called to a residence in Bentley where a patient was in need of medical assistance. Arriving at the same time as EMS, members helped safely package and load the patient into the waiting ambulance for transport to the hospital.
At 10:04 am on June 26, firefighters were called to the Bentley High School after a report of alarms ringing. A heat detector was found to have been knocked loose, triggering the alarm.
Ten BFD members were directed to another Bentley house on June 29, around suppertime. Alarms were ringing but the homeowners were simply cooking their dinner. A check was done and the all-clear was given.
At 12:55pm on June 30, firefighters attended the scene of a 2-vehicle accident on Rainy Creek Road near RR 1-4. A tire from one truck had come off and struck the passenger side of the other. The occupants were uninjured and the BFD provided some minor hazmat and traffic control.
Early in the morning on July 7, fourteen crew members were called to the Bentley Colony where a hog barn was on fire. Mutual aid was quickly called in from other departments; Lacombe, Blackfalds, Eckville and Sylvan Lake. With the hard work of 45 firefighters at its peak the fire was brought under control by 11:45 am The north barn was destroyed and about 4500 sows and piglets along with it, but the south barn was saved along with approximately 3,000 more pigs. Fire crews were released throughout the day, but Bentley remained on scene for over 14 hours. Many thanks to the colony and surrounding colonies for providing meals and drinks to hungry firefighters throughout the ordeal.
And on July 10 at 4:07 pm the BFD received a call of a watercraft in distress on Sylvan Lake near Sunbreaker Cove. The 2 adults on board called 911 because their boat had run out of gas! Sylvan Lake RCMP as well as the BFD were both called out to the disillusioned boaters. Please keep in mind while enjoying yourselves on the water to keep the necessary equipment and safely items on board. Emergencies can happen in an instant!

This past month the BFD has received an assortment of emergency calls:

June 18, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

On May 29 firefighters were sent to a home in Bentley where the resident had suffered an apparent heart attack. Members performed CPR until paramedics arrived and continued the treatment.
In the late afternoon of June 8, ten members were called to a grassfire on Highway #20 near Aspelund Road. The landowner was burning several piles of livestock bedding. No burn permit had been issued and no one was monitoring the fires, so they were extinguished.
Around suppertime on June 9th the BFD raced to the Lakeview campground boat launch where some individuals had been seen out in the water calling for help. Two family members were pulled from the lake by a fisherman and brought to shore where they were wrapped in blankets and taken into Bentley's Rescue truck to warm up. EMS arrived shortly thereafter and the patients were assessed and treated for minor hypothermia. Thank you to the witnesses and passersby who stayed to help and provide information.
Bentley's firefighters continue to train every week to stay prepared for whatever this world may throw their way . On May 26 we joined Lacombe Fire Department for a combined training night at the Woody Nook Church. As we depend on each others' help for mutual aid incidents, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the others' equipment and tactics. And having fun is strongly encouraged!

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

The Bentley District Fire Department is actively recruiting.
If you are interested click here to visit our recruiting page for more information.
We look forward to meeting you!

This has been a quiet spring so far with just 3 calls to report:

May 21, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

Midafternoon on April 20 a call came in of a grassfire in the ditch of Highway #20 south of Centerview Road. BFD crews extinguished the fire and notified Fortis to check power poles in the affected area.
On April 21 at 2:27 pm eight members responded to a call at a Bentley home. The resident informed the Fire Chief something had been cooking on the stove and had spilled over, triggering the alarm. A check was conducted and no fire was evident.
On the evening of May 1 eleven firefighters were sent to the Bentley Waste Transfer Station where a fire was burning in the burn pit. The controlled burn was being managed and was left in the care of the dump's supervisor.

Your department has been keeping busy attending various training courses,
doing safety training at the hall, conducting hall tours and providing services in our
community. On May 14 we had some fun at Camp L.G. Barnes on Gull Lake
instructing counsellors on the proper use of fire extinguishers.

We are also very pleased to introduce a new member of the BFD, Mr. Greg Holdstock. Welcome to the department Greg, we are happy to have you on board!

This past month your fire department has been called to four incidents; interestingly, all have been carbon monoxide alarms.

April 14, 2014 / Rhonda Gustafson

On March 26 at 10:16 pm eight members were called to a rural residence west of town where alarms were ringing. The homeowner stated the alarm went off right after he lit the wood pellet stove. Our gas detector did not register elevated levels of carbon monoxide or any other gas, but the homeowner was advised not to use the stove until he had it inspected.
Shortly before noon on March 28 the BFD was sent to a Bentley residence where alarms were sounding. 3 residents evacuated while firefighters inspected the home. Nothing registered on the detector and the call was declared a false alarm.
At 9:58 pm on March 29, ten members responded to a call east of Bentley. A residence reported carbon monoxide alarms going off. Although the call was in Lacombe's area, the LFD requested that Bentley continue to the residence. The home was inspected and no elevated CO levels were found. Upon Lacombe's arrival the Bentley Fire Department transferred command then cleared the scene.
On April 2 about 12:15 pm seven members attended a call at another rural home west of Bentley on RR 3-0. Patients were in Rimbey EMS care upon Bentley's arrival so firefighters searched the house and recorded elevated CO levels. The house was ventilated and measures were taken to alleviate the suspected problem.

Bentley District Fire Department has had a remarkably busy year! In 2015 we responded to 90 emergencies. These included: