Your department was sent to five incidents in the month of January:

• On New Year's Day eleven members were sent to a vehicle fire on the frozen Blindman River, off Highway #20 just south of Highway #12. A group of 3 people had been enjoying their ATVs when one side by side erupted in flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and the vehicle was removed from the river.
• At 3:33 pm on January 5 crews responded to a 2-vehicle accident on RR 28-2 near the Wooden Shoe. All those involved were out of the vehicles and mobile, but were checked over by EMS while firefighters controlled traffic. Once the vehicles were removed from the scene the highway was cleaned of fluid spills and the roadway reopened.
• Again on January 5, immediately after the first accident, crews were sent to another MVA just down the road from the first, on old Highway #12 and RR 1-1. A southbound vehicle and an eastbound one had collided at the intersection, causing considerable damage. Again, all occupants were out of their cars, one person was transported by ambulance to hospital. The highway traffic had to be managed in the fading light until the vehicles were removed.
• On January 11 at 1:57 pm members were called to assist Lacombe with a structure fire at a business in their city. Crews were stood down upon arrival as Lacombe had the incident under control.
• At 4:21 pm on January 19 eight members responded to another MVA, this time at the intersection os Hwys #12 and #20. Firefighters were requested by the RCMP to assist with traffic control at the scene which involved two vehicles. Crews obliged to safely manage the traffic during the busy evening hour and were released once the affected vehicles were towed away.

Your fire department enjoyed hosting an Ice Rescue course on January 14 and 15. Bentley instructors taught the theory portion at the fire hall, then the fun of putting it all into practice was enjoyed at Sandy Point where a hole was cut into the ice and various rescue techniques were enacted. A beautiful day was enjoyed outdoors and new skills were learned by firefighters from Ponoka and Bentley. 

This past month has been an incredibly quiet one with only two incidents:

•  At 10:12 am on December 2, five members were called to assist EMS at a rural residence. CPR was being administered to a patient at the home and firefighters took turns alongside the paramedics to try and revive the patient who unfortunately passed away.
• December 11 at 3:49 pm a call came in of a snowmobiler who had been seen crossing Gull Lake and appeared to have gone through the ice. The concerned witness called 911 and crews from Bentley and Lacombe fire departments, along with RCMP, were dispatched to Sandy Point and Wilson's Beach to pinpoint a location. Initial investigation revealed no sign of the snowmobile. STARS was requested to conduct a search from the air as sunset was fast approaching. Nothing was discovered at that time and darkness had fallen, so the search was continued the next day by Red Deer County Search and Rescue. No one was found and fortunately no people have been reported missing.

This past year has been nearly as busy as last year with the BFD responding to 84 emergencies between December 1, 2015 and December 1, 2016.

   5 Structure Fire                                   2 Gas Leak  

   16 Outside Fire                                  18 Alarms Ringing

   7 Vehicle Fire                                     2 Watercraft in Distress

   8 Mutual Aid                                       1 Ice Rescue                                             

  16 Motor Vehicle Accident                  9 Medical Assist 

This past month has been a quiet one with your department being called out to four incidents;

• At 11:54 am on October 20 members responded to another alarms call at the Bentley Care Centre, much the same as the call investigated a few days earlier. Again the residents were evacuated by staff, the air quality monitored by firefighters and the situation re-investigated. Faulty monitoring equipment was discovered and the call declared a non-emergency. The initial call was a gas leak on a cooking appliance. ATCO Gas isolated the gas to the appliance so it could be repaired at that time.
• On November 11 at 4:45 pm crews were sent to an outside fire southwest of Bentley. A small pile of brush and debris was burning and no one was on the site upon arrival so firefighters extinguished the fire. The landowner arrived shortly thereafter and the scene was left in his care. Please note that under County of Lacombe Bylaw 1208/15 Bylaw, Section 13.3, "No person shall light an Outdoor Fire, Incinerator Fire, Burning Barrel Fire, Recreation Fire, Smudge Fire or Structural Fire without first taking sufficient precaution to ensure the fire can be kept under control at all times." Also note that only untreated wood, grass, leaves etc. may be burned at any time. 
• At 12:59 am on November 12 members responded to the scene of a 2 vehicle accident on 50th Avenue in Bentley. Two trucks had collided just outside AG Foods causing quite a bit of damage. All occupants were out of the vehicles and walking and were examined by EMS while firefighters rerouted traffic so RCMP could investigate. The scene was then cleaned of spilled fluids, the trucks loaded and towed and the roadway was reopened.
• And on November 18 at 11 pm twelve members were sent to a vehicle fire on RR 1-0, just south of Highway #12. A passerby had noticed the flames from the highway, quickly investigated and called 911.  A truck was fully involved and crews used water and quite a bit of foam to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately no one was in the vehicle and the immediate area was searched and RCMP was called in to investigate. Thank you to the witness who helpfully stayed until we arrived and could get information.

Your Fire Department wishes you in our community a safe and Merry Christmas! Enjoy this season with friends and family and we look forward to a wonderful 2017!

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

• On September 19 at 1:01 am ten members responded to an alarms ringing call in Sunbreaker Cove on Sylvan Lake. This was called in by the alarm company. The detector was sounding, but no smoke or fire was visible upon arrival so an investigation was conducted using the TIC. All rooms in the unoccupied home were thoroughly checked before deeming this a false alarm and clearing the scene.
• At 8:16 am on September 22 eight members were sent to an outside fire at the Sandy Point resort area. A concerned passerby reported seeing smoke in the area, so firefighters quickly investigated what turned out to be a monitored controlled burn of two large brush piles with a burn permit in place.
• At 2:04 pm that same day members responded to a gas leak call outside a Bentley residence in the southeast area of town. An unmarked idle line had accidentally been torn out of the ground by a construction crew. No one was at home in the closest house, but all residents in neighbouring houses were informed and evacuated. The surrounding roadways were cordoned off and ATCO was called in to rectify the situation, while firefighters helped them gain access to the area they requested, monitored the air quality and remained on scene until all danger of fire or explosion was past. 
• On October 3 at 8:01 pm a call came in of a vehicle fire at a rural residence south of Bentley. A tractor was reportedly on fire and threatening nearby buildings. Lacombe Fire Department was immediately called in to help, then were stood down upon Bentley's arrival on the scene, which showed the landowners had gotten the fire well under control. Members doused the area to prevent any re-kindles then cleared the scene.
• Late in the afternoon on October 9 seven crews were sent to a Mutual Aid call to help Lacombe with a structure fire. A shed was fully involved and Engine and Tender were requested. Engine was stood down en route, but Tender attended the scene and was released once the situation was under control.
• On October 15 at 6:40 pm twelve firefighters raced to Highway #20 and Aspelund Road where two vehicles had collided at high speed in the intersection. Both vehicles ended up in the southwest ditch and three occupants in one vehicle were trapped and had to be cut free. None of those involved appeared to be critically injured, but all were taken by ambulances to hospital. Sadly a dog in one vehicle was ejected during the crash and the much-loved family pet died at the scene.
• And at 12:28 pm on October 8 crews were dispatched to a call of a structure fire at the Bentley Care Centre. Lacombe Fire was called in as Mutual Aid as a fire in this size of building could be disastrous without adequate manpower. Residents were enjoying their lunch in the dining room when the smoke alarm sounded. Staff went into the kitchen and discovered a very strong gas odour and a hazy environment, so 911 was called and evacuation was promptly initiated. All residents and staff were safely out when firefighters arrived, so they were quickly interviewed then sent to keep safe at the Bentley Elementary School. Kudos to the quick efforts by the staff who practice these emergency measures on a regular basis, well done! ATCO and maintenance workers who service the kitchen appliances were called in to investigate the possible cause and once their investigation was complete the occupants were able to return.

Thanks to all of you in our community who were able to visit our Open House held on October 3. We enjoyed showing off the fire hall, trucks and equipment as well as running some of you willing volunteers through some obstacles!

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

• At 3 pm on August 22 nine members raced to the scene of an accident on Highways #12 and #20. Two vehicles had collided at the intersection and one person in each vehicle required extrication. The patients were carefully freed and turned over to EMS care while traffic was controlled and RCMP conducted their investigation.
• Shortly before midnight on August 25 crews were sent to a Bentley residence where alarms were ringing. A fire originating on the stove or in the oven had triggered the smoke alarm and sent the resident running for their home fire extinguisher. The occupant quickly put out the blaze and called 911. BFD members arrived and inspected the home using the TIC (thermal imaging camera) to check for further hot spots. The stove was pulled out, unplugged and the homeowner advised to not use the appliance in its current condition.
• On September 3 at 2:19 pm eight firefighters were sent to assist Lacombe Fire Department with a structure fire in Morningside. A single family home was fully involved but all occupants were out so a defensive attack was established to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring houses. Eight hours were spent in this dirty, sweaty endeavour but fortunately no one was injured. 
• About suppertime on September 9 a call came in of a watercraft in distress on Sylvan Lake. The boat had become undriveable, either a mechanical issue or simply out of fuel. The boat driver wisely contacted emergency services once a non-emergency had been established and fire crews were stood down.
• At 2:09 pm on September 10 five members were sent again to the intersection of Highways #12 and #20. Two vehicles had collided, sending one spinning and one flipping several times. Miraculously all occupants were out of their cars and conscious. Lacombe Fire Department was called in to help with traffic while patients were cared for until EMS arrival. Once they were cleared from the scene the roadways were cleaned of fluids and debris and the highways' traffic flow was resumed. 
• On September 14 at 6:29 pm another alarms call was received at another residence in town. The homeowner was contacted by the alarm company and a false alarm was determined, so the BFD was stood down.
• At 4:05 pm on September 17 another accident was reported, sending the only 3 available members to Aspelund Road where two vehicles had collided head-on. Sylvan Lake Fire Department was immediately called in to help. The vehicles were safely stabilized while one of the occupants suffering serious injuries was cut free and carefully removed, then loaded into the waiting ambulance. Rush hour traffic was managed throughout the procedure.
• And on September 18 in the early morning hours another alarms ringing call came in from a Bentley residence. The alarm company contacted the homeowner and discovered that the backyard fire pit had been burning, causing smoke to drift in an open window and trigger the alarm. This was deemed a false alarm.

This past month has been a blissfully quiet one for your department, especially welcome since many of us have been away enjoying an always too-short summer.

• Shortly after 9 pm on July 24 a call came in of a watercraft in distress on Gull Lake. Several members raced to the boat launch area of Stoner's Landing on the west side of the lake, while sending for Lacombe Fire Department to assist with their rescue boat. One member arranged to meet the Parks crew with their boat from Aspen Beach. The boat in distress was located with binoculars from Stoner's Landing and the family in the boat was contacted by cell phone. A non-life-threatening situation was confirmed and Lacombe was stood down. The boat had been run out of gas, so the Parks crew towed them back to shore. This can be a VERY expensive ride, so please think of someone you can call to tow you or bring you gas before you decide to call 911 for a non-emergency!
• On August 5 at 11:22 am six members were sent to a call of a gas leak in a Bentley alley. Crews had been working nearby and accidentally punctured a gas line. Firefighters evacuated the areas nearby and monitored the gas levels while awaiting ATCO crews. The scene was then left in ATCO's care.
• At 1:55 pm on August 10 six members responded to an alarms ringing call at a Bentley residence near the schools. There have been several alarms calls there in the past and the resident met the crews at the door mentioning it was a false alarm due to a cooking incident. We would like to remind homeowners to please monitor your phones so the alarm company can contact you after an alarm has been triggered. This may prevent emergency crews having to be sent out unnecessarily.
• And on August 13 at 10:09 pm crews arrived at a business in town where another alarm was ringing. No smoke was showing at the building's exterior and when the key holder arrived the interior was inspected and monitored with the TIC (thermal imaging camera). It had been a hot day and the building was very warm and had triggered the sensitive detector. This was also ruled a false alarm.

Thank you to all resident and visitors who attended RevMaster's Show-N-Shine and enjoyed our BFD concession. It was well attended as usual and we appreciate your support!

If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity we are looking for interested individuals who would like to make a difference in their community. Click here for more information.

This past month your fire department has responded to nine calls:

• On June 23 at 4:11 pm firefighters were called to a Bentley house to provide RCMP with PPE (personal protective equipment) for an investigation they were conducting. Two hours later crews were requested to return to the same home to carefully remove the resident, who had passed away earlier, under the direction of RCMP and the coroner.
• Mid afternoon on July 26 firefighters were sent as Mutual Aid to Eckville, to the scene of a 2-vehicle accident at an intersection in their area. Six members were sent along with Bentley Tender to provide the water supply.
• In the early afternoon of July 4th seven crews were sent out to an outside fire at a rural residence. Prohibited debris was being burned in an illegal burn pit, so firefighters extinguished the blaze with the assistance of Ponoka West, who had been called in to help.
• At noon on July 6th a call was received of a vehicle fire at the intersection of Highways #12 and #20. A garbage truck was involved and the bin's contents, recycling items, were on fire. The driver had wisely dumped the burning debris onto the paved shoulder and driven ahead a short distance. The pile was fully involved upon arrival, so traffic was carefully managed while the smoking garbage was extinguished and moved aside for removal.
• Early in the morning of July 7th eleven members raced to Woody Nook Road, south of Woody Nook Church. A vehicle travelling south had left the road and travelled some distance in the grassy ditch before hitting an approach and flipping onto its passenger side. The driver was conscious but trapped, so the vehicle was first stabilized then cut open with the shears and the occupant removed under the direction of attending EMS. The patient was sent by ambulance to the hospital and the scene was then released to the RCMP.
• On July 11 at 3:05 pm a call came in of an outside fire at the Bentley Cemetery. A controlled burn was being conducted with a burn permit in place and the caretaker had called prior to inform the fire department, but a concerned passerby had called 911 so crews are required to attend. A quick investigation and speaking with the caretaker assured all that everything was proceeding according to plan.
• At 4:17 pm on July 13 five members were sent to a Bentley residence where alarms were ringing. The BFD was stood down once the homeowner and alarm company were in contact and determined this was a false alarm.
• And shortly before midnight on July 14th twelve firefighters were sent to a machinery road north of Bentley where a vehicle was on fire. In the rainy muddy conditions the road was impassable for the fire trucks, so the neighbours who had reported the blaze, kindly offered a lift to the scene on their ATV. No one was in the truck, which had burned down considerably, so it was monitored for a time to ensure it would not spread to the surrounding trees, then left for RCMP who had been called in to investigate.

This July the Bentley District Fire Department received its new Rapid Response Unit. This truck will be used for extra crew transport as well as fire suppression and extrication purposes, especially useful in multi-vehicle accidents where more than one set of shears and spreaders are needed and timely assistance is vital. Thank you Lacombe County, it will be put to good use!

This past month, your fire department has been kept hopping with eleven emergencies to report:

• In the early morning hours of May 19, crews were summoned to a Bentley residence where alarms were ringing. The home was checked with the department's gas detector and no elevated levels were found, so the homeowner was given a new carbon monoxide detector to replace the faulty one.
• On May 22 firefighters were called to aid Eckville with a structure fire in their area. Crews were stood down once the situation was believed to be under control.
• At 4:04 pm on May 23 ten members responded to a call of a structure fire in Gull Lake Village. A vacant detached garage was on fire and members vented a window and set up a positive pressure fan to allow the smoke to be directed outside while the fire was being extinguished. The contents of the garage were brought outside and documented and the RCMP conducted their investigation.
• Mid afternoon on May 25 six firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on Woody Nook Road and Twp Rd 40-0. A wheel loader was discovered parked on the shoulder and fully engulfed. The driver had safely evacuated so firefighters worked on putting out the blaze, which had ignited the grass in the ditch. Traffic was controlled throughout, the fire was quickly extinguished, and the roadway cleaned up and fully reopened.
• Another alarms call was received shortly after lunch on May 26. A rural residence was affected this time, and some vacuum cleaner dust had activated the touchy alarm. Crews were stood down once the alarm company had been in contact with the homeowner.
• At 6:16 pm on May 29 twelve firefighters raced to the intersection of Highways 12 and 20, where three vehicles were involved in an accident. A southbound vehicle on Highway 20 and a westbound vehicle on Highway 12 had collided, sending one of them into an eastbound truck and trailer on the west side of the intersection. Heavy traffic was on the roads this time of day so it was managed in all 4 directions while EMS attended drivers and passengers, none of whom were seriously injured. Belongings were retrieved by crews, vehicles were towed and the glamourous work of cleaning up the highways was completed.
• Another Mutual Aid call was received on June 3 at 7:40 pm, this time to Lacombe for a structure fire. Our Tender was requested, and was stood down once the situation was under control.
• On June 4 at 1:10 pm five members responded to a call of a hit and run involving three bicyclists on Highway 771. The cyclists were heading north and the centre individual had been struck from behind by a silver Dodge truck with extended sideview mirrors. The individual was thrown into the ditch while the truck driver continued north without stopping. The conscious patient was cared for until EMS arrival and information relayed to RCMP to assist with their investigation.
• At 10:32 pm on June 10 nine firefighters were sent to Gull Lake Village. A house was on fire behind the Wooden Shoe. Upon arrival the home was fully engulfed and a thorough check with neighbours assured crews it was unoccupied so a defensive attack was implemented in order to save the threatened houses on either side. Mutual Aid from Lacombe Fire was requested and more crews quickly arrived to help. Over four hours later the fire was finally extinguished using water and foam. A fire investigation is being conducted.
• On June 12, shortly after midnight, crews were called to an outside fire at a rural location south of Bentley. This was called in by a neighbouring landowner who was concerned about it spreading. As this fire was in an inaccessible location the person attending it was asked to put it out. The RCMP arrived on scene and the BFD left the incident in their command.
• And at 11:30 am on June 20 several members were called to the scene of a large outside fire on the property adjoining Sunset Legion Campground on the northwest side of Gull Lake. A massive load of dry leaves had been dumped over decades worth of rotted stumps, debris and actual bagged garbage over a steep, 30 foot embankment near the shore. This huge mess took several hours of filthy work to spread out and extinguish with the help of Moore's Backhoe Service (thanks Ross!) Rimbey Fire Department was called out to assist and we appreciate their help. Efforts were somewhat hampered by the steep terrain and dense tree and brush cover. Hopefully this will bring some attention to the blight on this otherwise beautiful area!

This past month has been exceptionally busy for your fire department:

• In the afternoon of April 24 eight members responded to a call of an outside fire northwest of town near Rimbey. The small fire was put out and the surrounding area soaked to prevent a re-kindle.
• On April 25 at 1:50 am twelve crews were sent to a structure fire east of the Wooden Shoe on Highway #12. The old vacant house was fully engulfed, so Lacombe and Blackfalds departments were called in to assist. The house was too far gone to save therefore a defensive attack was in order to protect homes nearby. The fire was finally extinguished several hours later and the building was pulled apart and hot spots put out. Thanks to DB Bobcat who helped with the knockdown.
• At 1:19 am on April 27 members were called to a rural residence south of town to assist EMS with an unconscious patient. CPR was administered for over 40 minutes but the exhaustive efforts were to no avail as unfortunately the individual passed away at the scene.
• About suppertime on April 29 a call came in of a grassfire at a rural property on Woody Nook Road and Highway #12. This was a monitored burn in a cultivated field, the fire was allowed to burn out and left in the care of the landowner.
• On May 3 at 10:26 am firefighters were sent to a farm south of town on Highway #20 where a controlled burn was in progress. All permits and safety precautions were in place however the wind changed direction and the fire ignited some straw bales nearby. When the situation became somewhat unmanageable the supervisor wisely called 911 for assistance. Crews extinguished the burning piles and broke apart the burning bales, then thoroughly soaked all surrounding areas.
• Just before 7 am on May 4 ten crews attended the scene of a vehicle fire on Range Road 1-2 just south of town. A truck was discovered upside-down and burning in the west ditch. No occupants were found inside the vehicle and a search of the area revealed nothing. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and RCMP conducted their investigation.
• On May 6 at 1:03 pm an alarms ringing call came in. A Bentley home was involved but crews were stood down en route once the alarm company clarified it as a false alarm.
• May 7 won the prize for the BFD's busiest day as five calls came in between lunch and (late) supper:

1. At 12:11 pm an outside fire call sent eight members to Aspen Beach's day use area where a family was enjoying a wiener roast over an open fire. As there was a burn ban on during this time the fire was extinguished.
2. A call came in at 1:30 pm of a plane crash the Eckville area, Bentley was requested to help. As firefighters neared the location they were stood down as the Eckville Fire Department had the situation under control.
3. At 3:07 pm another call of an outside fire was received; same day use area, almost exactly same location. Again, the campfire was put out and the new family informed of the POSTED fire ban. Conservation officers were now present to help educate users.
4. Ten crews responded to the next call which was received at 5:22 pm Yet again a fire was spotted in the Ebeling day use area. This time members arrived to find a family legally using a portable propane fire pit. We ask people to PLEASE check what they are reporting before they call 911!
5. And finally, at 7:27 pm firefighters were sent to a motorcycle accident on Highway #12, just east of RR 28-4. The motorcyclist appeared to have hit some loose gravel on the shoulder and lost control, ending up in the grassy ditch. Firefighters assisted EMS with the patient who was loaded into a waiting ambulance for the trip to hospital.

• On May 13 at 5:40 pm crews responded to another vehicle fire, this time on Highway 20 south of town. A southbound car had caught fire, forcing the driver to pull to the shoulder and quickly exit to the safety of the grassy ditch. The burning vehicle was extinguished but the cause of the fire was unknown, RCMP conducted their investigation while the BFD controlled traffic and helped clean the roadway of debris until they were released. 

These past two months has seen the BFD called out to a variety of emergencies:

• On February 13 ten members were called to assist EMS with a Bentley resident. The patient was carefully moved from the home to a waiting ambulance for the trip to hospital.
•      At 3:58 pm on February 18 crews responded to an alarms ringing call in town. The homeowner met firefighters at the door and confirmed with them it was a false alarm.
•      In the early morning hours of February 21 twelve members responded to a call of a fire on a rural property south of town. RCMP had requested help to put out an unattended bonfire. The fire was extinguished before it could spread.
•      On February 27 at 2:18 pm Bentley was called to assist Lacombe with an outside fire in their area. This turned out to be a controlled burn.
•      On February 29 eleven members were called out to a rural residence west of town on Highway #12. A driver had been experiencing a medical issue and had pulled into the nearest driveway to wait for help. An ambulance was called and the patient was attended to until EMS arrival.

     An Ice Rescue course was hosted by the Bentley Fire Department on March 6th and 7th with help from instructors from Bentley and Lacombe fire departments. This was well attended by firefighters from Bentley, Lacombe, Rimbey and Ponoka County. Plenty of new rescue skills were acquired by all and fun was involved!

•      In the early afternoon of March 14 members were called out to Birch Bay for a medical assist. RCMP and EMS were on the scene when firefighters arrived and CPR was in progress so crews were released.
•      On March 27 at 4:13 am eight members were summoned to a bale fire on Highway #20 and Rainy Creek Road. A helpful passerby had called 911 before the single bale could ignite nearby buildings. The fire was extinguished with water and foam and a perimeter was raked to prevent spreading. The bale was torn apart and soaked thoroughly to minimize re-ignition.
•      At 6:38 pm on March 28 twelve firefighters raced to Aspen Beach where a vehicle was reported to have fallen through the ice. The locked gate needed to be breached in order to access the motorist who was stranded close to shore. The front wheels had indeed dropped through, but was sitting on the lake bottom about 8 inches below. The out-of-town driver's vehicle was winched out by a local towing company.
•      About 4:30 pm on April 18 thirteen members were sent to a Mutual Aid call to Lacombe for a grassfire on Woody Nook Road. The burning brush pile was extinguished with help from a handy dugout nearby. Immediately after this fire, the crews were sent into Lacombe to help with a structure fire. A parked vehicle and detached garage were involved and the nearby house was being threatened. The fire was knocked down and an interior search was conducted. No one was hurt and the house sustained only minor exterior damage, but the garage and vehicle were destroyed. BFD were released from the house fire only to be called out to another grassfire, this time between Range Roads #28-3 and 28-4, south of Twp Rd #40-0. A very long swath of partially-burned logs and brush had re-ignited from a much-earlier controlled burn. Sixteen members worked to extinguish this fire in dangerously windy conditions.

The Bentley District Fire Department has been blessed with several new members! Joining us this past fall is firefighter Stillman Taylor. In the last few months we have been excited to add firefighters Carson Schneider, Natasha Pitcher, Robert Hildebrandt, Erin Vert, Dawn Dojahn and Jody Buck. Welcome to the department, we thank you for your willingness to volunteer your time and effort!

And a farewell to firefighter Greg Holdstock who has been an extremely dependable and valuable member to us for the past two years. We are sorry to see you go but wish you great success with your new career in the military! 

This has been a fairly quiet month for your fire department with only four calls to report;

• About 2 pm on January 21, seven members were sent to the scene of a single-vehicle accident on Highway #20 near RR #1-4. The car had left the road and gone straight into the ditch. The driver appeared to have had a medical issue and was helped to the waiting ambulance for further assessment.
• In the early morning hours of January 27, firefighters were called to a residence in Lake Trail Estates. EMS requested help with an unconscious patient who was then carefully packaged and loaded for the trip to the hospital.
• On February 6 at 8:42 am, crews drove to the scene of a vehicle fire on RR #1-0 near Twp Rd #40-2. One truck was fully engulfed upon arrival, but fortunately no one was trapped inside. The fire was brought under control and eventually extinguished, so RCMP could investigate the scene.
• And at 7:54 pm on February 11, a call was received of a 2-vehicle accident on Highway #20 south of Twp Rd 41-4. A southbound car had collided with a northbound truck and damage was extensive. The occupants of the truck appeared to sustain minor injuries, while the driver of the car was cared for on the scene until EMS arrival. Traffic in both directions was stopped for some time until the RCMP finished their investigation. The vehicles were removed, then the roadway was cleaned up and traffic allowed to resume. Thank you to the witnesses who kindly stopped to help until emergency crews arrived.

We appreciate your patience as drivers when we are on the scene of a traffic accident. The highway is a dangerous place to work, especially at night when visibility is poor. Please respect our members monitoring traffic and working on the scene. We all want to get where we need to be in a timely fashion and we want everyone to do so safely.

This past month your fire department has attended six emergencies:

• 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?

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:

• 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:

•  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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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:

•  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!