Strathmore Fire Department shifts to 24/7 service schedule
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Strathmore’s fire department has transitioned to a 24-hour staffing model, operating seven days a week.
The shift was implemented as of Nov. 10, which follows a decision made by council earlier this year. Mayor Pat Fule credits the ability to do so through the support of the Wildlife-Urban Interface Grant.
“We were really grateful that our MLA, Chantelle de Jonge, lobbied for the Town of Strathmore to get one of the Wildland-Urban Interface positions,” said Fule. “They can be sent out during the wildfire season to support other communities who might be being threatened by wildfire. During the spring, summer and sometimes longer, with the way things have been going … they are basically made available to help support other communities that are at risk.”
At the end of the wildfire season, these additional firefighters rejoin the town’s fire department staff and become firefighters for the local community.
Among the key benefits of the shift to 24-hour coverage are to be faster and more reliable response times to fires, rescues, and medical emergencies, as well as expanded coverage for new subdivisions, commercial areas, and industrial growth.
“Council has prioritized community wellness and is committed to ensuring that our residents have the necessary services to support them when an emergency situation arises,” said Fule. “With support from the WUI grant, we’re ensuring that our firefighters have the resources they need to protect our residents, our homes, and our growing community – any time of day or night.”
The shift comes ahead of plans from the town to move in the direction of constructing a new fire station within the next few years.
Fule ran for re-election with part of his platform being to continue the discussion about developing a replacement facility.
“The (current) building is not very big and it is just not upgraded to the current standards that are needed for firefighters,” he explained. “We are adding more houses and more subdivisions every week. Lakewood is expanding at a solid rate, we have got some building going at the north end of Strathmore Lake, and Edgefield has been clearing land all through the spring and summer for their next phase. It is going to be essential to have this 24/7 coverage and this Wildland-Urban Interface Program.”
Strathmore was awarded $1.09 million through the grant program in May, as the Wildland-Urban Interface Program was announced.
No discussions have yet to take place regarding the future of the funding and the program beyond the initial investment from the province.
“We are now in a position to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively, no matter when the situation arises,” said Fire Chief David Sturgeon. “This transition allows our team to meet the needs of our growing community and improve our response times.”