(Facebook/Lakeland and District Fire Dept.)

By Nigel Maxwell

Emergency response

Can you fill these boots? Volunteer fire depts. face recruiting challenges

Aug 19, 2021 | 3:00 PM

Amidst what can only be described as an above average fire season, a number of local volunteer departments across the Prince Albert region are busy recruiting to ensure they have enough members able to respond.

Gary Schrader, Fire Chief for Buckland Fire and Rescue, explained they have roughly 30 people on paper.

When it comes to answering the calls, the number can be much less, “because most of them are working and can’t get away from work, and they all have families,” he said.

Schrader said the minimum requirement to apply is being 18, adding both men and women are welcome, and every applicant is subject to a criminal record check. Schrader explained the biggest challenge with recruiting is finding people who can make the commitment, and not everyone wants to put in the training required.

“I know everyone wants to become a firefighter because they want to help people but it takes a commitment, like they have to go through six months of training before they can go to a call,” he said.

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(Facebook/Buckland Fire and Rescue)

Chris McShannock, Chief of the Lakeland and District Fire Dept., explained their department normally goes through a seven year cycle, where they lose a few members and have to recruit more.

“Our own department has lost 12 members over the last 18 months for a variety of reasons. A couple were hired with career departments, some had life happen and have moved on, a few were concerned with COVID,” he explained.

McShannock echoed Schrader’s comments that it’s a tough job that requires a commitment, and often it’s tough for people to balance life and be a part of the crew.

Lyle Evans, Chief for the Birch Hills Fire and Rescue, told paNOW they are actually on the high side for attendance, which he attributed to a high number of fire and accident calls this year.

“When you only get three or four fires a year, then everybody gets bored and don’t want to come to the meetings. But now we are busy so you get more people involved,” he said.

Evans explained they have mutual aid agreements with fire departments on each corner of the area they cover, and are in a good position to help when needed.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell