By Sam Borsato (@BorsatoSam on Twitter)

Alberta Fire Chiefs Gather to Learn from Each Other

May 30, 2016 | 8:22 AM

CALGARY – Around 200 fire chiefs are gathered in Calgary for the annual Alberta Fire Chiefs Association conference.

They’ll be there until Wednesday, covering topics like organizational issues, firefighting tactics and physical and mental health. It also features a large trade show, giving participants an up-close look at new equipment and technology.

Lethbridge Fire Chief Rich Hildebrand is in attendance, noting that these meetings are an important learning tool.

“We have many similarities, but we all tend to do things just a little bit differently. Our labour contracts, our approaches to how we operate are all a little different. So, we try to glean out and develop best practices.”

That being said, Fort McMurray will also be at the top of everyone’s mind, especially the firefighter’s mental health.

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Hildebrand explained that Lethbridge was requested not to send general firefighting staff, but rather Stress and Incident Management Teams. A second wave of assistance staff have been sent up to help those fighting the blaze through this emotionally difficult time.

However, Hildebrand can only attend part of the conference this year. He’ll be back in Lethbridge to participate in a mock disaster exercise on Tuesday, May 31 alongside other emergency responders. It’ll take place along the north end of University Drive.

The City is warning residents not to be alarmed if they see smoke or hear loud noises in that area. The speed limit will also be reduced to 60 km/h adjacent to the site, with signage posted along roads and Highway 3 access points.

by Sam Borsato (@BorsatoSam on Twitter)

Alberta Fire Chiefs Gather to Learn from Each Other

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