Four Coalhurst firefighters traveled up to Jasper to help fight the wildfire from July 24 to August 1. (Photo: Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department)

By Christian Oldale

Members of Coalhurst Fire Department assisted with Jasper fire

Aug 14, 2024 | 10:23 AM

COALHURST, AB – The Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) is one of the many in the province to help firefighting efforts in Jasper National Park.

CVFD received a request from the province on July 24 to send personnel and equipment to Jasper to assist with structure protection and urban-interface firefighting.

Coalhurst Deputy Fire Chief Willie Williams said, “Within an hour we had four team members on the road, including myself, one of our Captains, and two firefighters. We spent the first couple days helping with structure protection and then transitioned to night shift to address hot spots and flare ups around the community and its boundary.”

Williams added that two more firefighters came up to relieve crew members on August 1, and the unit was back in Coalhurst by August 5. The department’s new Wildland Fire Truck was also deployed.

During the deployment, Williams was also placed in a leadership role as Task Force Leader, at times leading up to 17 firefighters on the night shift.

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“Our unit was definitely put to the test over the course of 10 or 11 days and performed very well.” Williams said, “Throughout the response, we found some areas where the unit can be further improved for future emergencies. But overall, we’re happy with the way it allowed our team to work and kept us safe during dynamic and rapidly changing conditions.”

Jasper residents have been out for three weeks but can return beginning Friday.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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