By Brady Bateman

Winter Conditions

Foggy conditions remain abundant in P.A.

Feb 8, 2019 | 2:37 PM

Prince Albert residents have been greeted by thick layers of fog this week, as an arctic weather system continues to envelop the city.

Extremely cold temperatures, paired with the foggy morning drives have caused concerns for emergency crews within the city, who are reminding residents to drive for the conditions and practice extreme caution.

Corey Rodgers, deputy chief with the Prince Albert Fire Department, told paNOW although fog hasn’t caused any major issues for crews, cold weather is always a cause for concern.

“We obviously have to make sure that we’re driving according to the conditions of visibility that are presented,” Rodgers said.

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He added residents should be practicing extreme caution when driving, especially when thick layers of fog are present on roadways.

“Just leave a little earlier — especially on the highways. In the city watch for pedestrians and children in school zones, be mindful of the fact that these people can pop out from anywhere and road conditions can be icy and cause problems.”

Rodgers noted that regardless of current cold conditions, fire crews prepare all pumps and apparatuses for winter, and constantly maintain gear throughout winter months to ensure all gear works as intended.

“At a fire scene if we’re shutting down hose lines we always make sure there is some flow left. If you see a hose sitting there leaking it’s because we intended to do that, once the water sits still it can freeze,” he said. “We kind of restrict our activity, because we have to ensure our apparatuses are ready to go in the case of an emergency. If we have errands and those kinds of things to do we can take utility vehicles.”

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert, told paNOW it is difficult for Parkland’s crews to work in this type of weather.

“We’re encouraging our crews to bundle up extra, pack a bag of extra things and we remind them, more importantly, to stay hydrated,” Karasiuk said.

“As it is with you and I, to get outside and start a vehicle to drive from point A to point B, you have to remember that when you’re involved in an incident like a vehicle collision, our paramedics are getting there in the worst of weather to help you.”

Karasiuk noted Parkland has not received any fog-related calls such as a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, but he urged residents to make sure they have their headlights, not just day-time running lights activated on their vehicles.

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brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @thedigitalbirdy