wandering river fire department

Athabasca County Fire Services consists of seven volunteer departments as well as services provided through partnerships with The Village of Boyle and Town of Athabasca volunteer fire departments. In addition, the County maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding municipalities. Different departments in the County provide different services including fire suppression, road rescue, wildland urban interface response, and limited wildland suppression capabilities.

Athabasca County Fire Services is managed by the Regional Fire Chief who provides training, leadership, procurement, investigation and other forms of support to departments within the County.

If you have an emergency , dial 9-1-1 to be connected with police, fire, or ambulance services. Please take note of your location if you are calling via mobile device as dispatch will not be able to pinpoint where you are. False alarms are becoming a problem for Emergency Services everywhere because they take valuable resources away from actual emergencies, click here to find out what you can do to help minimize them.

Fire Departments

ATHABASCA FIRE RESCUE

Located within the Town of Athabasca: 4707 50 St. Athabasca, AB.

Provides fire and rescue services to the town and surrounding County area.

Fire Chief: Jason Sturrock

BAPTISTE LAKE FIRE

Hall 1 – located in the Summer Village of West Baptiste SE 33-66-24.

Hall 2 – located Baptiste Lake Emergency Service Zone (TWP Road 674 and Hwy 2).

Provides fire protection to the Summer Villages of Baptiste and Island Lake and Division 9 of Athabasca County within the Baptiste Lake Emergency Service Zone.

Fire Chief: Robert Laackmann

BOYLE FIRE RESCUE

Located in the Village of Boyle: 5122 2 St. Boyle, AB.

Provides fire and rescue services to the village and surrounding  area of Division 3 and road rescue service on Highway #63, 831, 663.

Fire Chief:  Darren Hill

CASLAN FIRE RESCUE

Located in the Hamlet of Caslan SE 21-65-17.

Provides fire and rescue services to the hamlet and the east half of Division 3 of the County and road rescue service on Hwy #663 and Hwy #855.

Fire Chief:  Jim Henson

COLINTON FIRE RESCUE

Located in the Hamlet of Colinton SW 15-65-22.

Provides fire and rescue services to the hamlet and parts of Division 1, 2, and 3 in the County and road rescue service on Highway #2.

Fire Chief:  Bruce Bretzlaff

GRASSLAND FIRE RESCUE

Located in the Hamlet of Grassland SW 28-67-18.

Provides fire and rescue services to the hamlet and parts of Division 6 and 7 in the County and road rescue service on Hwy #63 & Hwy #55.

Fire Chief:  Tim McEvoy

RICHMOND PARK FIRE

Located within Athabasca County  NE 24-68-22.

Provides fire protection to Division 9 in the County.

Fire Chief:  Mike Krawec

ROCHESTER FIRE

Located in the Hamlet of Rochester SE 24-62-24.

Provides fire and rescue services to the hamlet and Division 1 in the County.

Fire Chief:  Darren Siemens

WANDERING RIVER FIRE

Located in the Hamlet of Wandering River NE 36-71-17.

Provides fire protection to the hamlet and Division 6 in the County.

Fire Chief:  Andy Snegirev

Want to be a firefighter?

Volunteer firefighters are an important part of the community, as well as providing an important service, they attend community events to promote fire prevention and safety. Volunteers are on call (according to availability) and arrive at their fire hall before leaving to respond to emergencies.

Training covers a wide variety of subjects, including first aid, equipment maintenance, and structural firefighting. Athabasca County also maintains a fire training centre at the Athabasca Regional Airport where members train to respond to structure fires in an environment that can be adapted to a wide variety of scenarios. If you’re up to the challenge, start by completing and submitting the application below.

ACFS Application

Regional Emergency Response Plan

Athabasca County’s Regional Emergency Response Plan engages all community stakeholders, from the Town of Athabasca, Village of Boyle, the summer villages, emergency services, local industries, and government agencies. The plan was developed in consultation with Emergency Response Management Consulting and is an “all hazards” approach.

The Emergency Planning Committee manages and maintains the plan to keep pace with changes in the region.

View the   Emergency Response Plan .

Wildfire Prevention

Athabasca County works closely with Alberta Forestry’s Wildfire Management Department to manage and mitigate wildfire risks. We use the strategies below to help manage wildfire risks in The County:

• Mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities, the province, and industrial fire departments.
• Including wildfire management in our Regional Emergency Response Plan .
• Ensuring our fire permit program complies with the provincial Fire Permit Guidelines Manual. This means that residents and businesses must obtain permission from County officials before any controlled burning is allowed.
• Maintaining a FireSmart program to educate residents about the risks of Wildfires and how to prevent them.
• Ensuring that senior members of County fire departments complete provincially endorsed coursework in wildfire management.
• Using a ground infrared scanning system for the detection and response to hold-over winter burning.

To check out more about FireSmart, check out their  website and Facebook page , or visit them on Twitter  @FireSmart Canada . To learn about world class wildfire research going on in Alberta, check out FP Innovations . Click on the image below to learn more about Alberta’s wildfire prevention and management initiatives. You can also check them out on Twitter @AlbertaWildfire and on Facebook .

You can also check our Safe Burning information page if you have a planned burn scheduled.

Regional Fire Training Centre

Athabasca County’s Regional Fire Training Centre gives firefighters in the region an opportunity to hone their skills in a controlled environment. The facility was built in 2015, at the Athabasca Regional Airport and enables training with building searches, ventilation, and interior attack. The two-story, modular structure is unique because the interior walls and doors can be easily moved into a variety of configurations allowing instructors to provide new challenges to members as they train.

False Alarms

Silencing the panel is not enough.

False alarms are not only a drain on resources and personnel but they can take personnel away from a real emergency.

Security and Fire alarm systems are becoming a more popular item for homeowners to protect their homes, businesses, and belongings. When used correctly these systems are a valuable tool for protecting your property.

Remember that Police, Fire and EMS must treat all alarm calls as a genuine emergency until proven otherwise.  False alarms are not only a drain on resources and personnel but they also may take personnel away from real emergencies.

Should your alarm system go off when there is no emergency, remember that turning off or silencing the system at the control panel only stops the alarm from going off at your property. A chain of events has already been set in motion.

Police, fire, or ambulance have been notified and may already be on their way to your location. Any time an emergency response vehicle is travelling with lights and sirens there is an element of risk to the responders and the public.

In most cases, after silencing the alarm panel, you must call your alarm company to advise them that you have had a false alarm. The alarm company will then contact first responders through appropriate channels to advise them of the false alarm.

By doing your part to reduce false alarm calls you are helping reduce the burden on our first responders.

Fire Services Statistics

Click on image to enlarge it.

Fire Services Review

The Athabasca County Fire Services Review expects to provide guidance and ensure that the area’s fire service providers are well positioned to achieve a service that meets the community’s expectations. That goal is achievable using modern methods, policy development, sound business & financial practices, and cooperative implementation and service efforts from all parties.

Read the Fire Services Review here.

Fire services masterplan.

Athabasca County Fire Services delivers an essential public service, helping make Athabasca County a safer place to live, work, and play. The services provided by Athabasca County Fire Services are essential in responding to fire, rescue, and emergency situations, fire prevention, public education, and in responding to life threatening emergency medical situations in an assistance role. The role and expectations placed on Athabasca County Fire Service has also evolved to include responding to disasters when requested and fostering increased positive partnerships both inside and outside of our County borders.

The Fire Services Masterplan contains key recommendations that were determined through the Fire Services Review.

The Fire Services Masterplan can be read here.

Apply for a Permit

Main Office: 780-675-2273   |   Toll Free: 1-844-662-2273

County Office: 3602 – 48th Avenue, Athabasca, AB T9S 1M8

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Visit the link for updates on the Jackfish/Camping Lake Fire Click Here

• Friends of Wandering River Fire Department
• Wandering River, AB

2024 Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment 🔥🧯🚒 Wandering Friends department is recruiting Volunteer Firefighters to help serve our community & highways. 👩🏼‍🚒 👨🏼‍🚒

Happy New Year From Your Wandering River Fire Department. 🚒 Have a safe & healthy 2024.

Please be safe this New Year's Eve! 🎆

Please join the WRFD in wishing Deputy Fire Chief Charlie a very Happy Birthday! Thank you for your years of service to the community!

Merry Christmas from your WRFD! May everyone have a safe & happy holiday! 🎅🏻 🧑‍🚒

Merry Christmas Eve! We hope everyone stays safe over the holidays. 🎅🏻 👨🏼‍🚒

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be firesmart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Follow these safety tips and more at nfpa.org/holiday

Please be advised that emergency crews currently have a portion of Highway 663 closed West of Highway 63 due to a vehicle collision.

Please stay safe on the ice!

Some information to consider before making your way out on the ice.

Please join us in wishing WRFD Chief Andy Snegirev a very Happy Birthday! 🎂 🥳

Heads up!! ⚠️

This Thursday, Dec. 7, motorists should be prepared for delays travelling northbound on Highway 63. A large piece of industrial equipment weighing 483,000 kilograms and carried by a trailer with 352 wheels is being moved north. Due to its large size and weight, it will only travel at 60 km/h and will use the entire width of the highway, including the shoulder. For the most up-to-date road information and traffic delays call 511. Read the provincial news release for more: https://ow.ly/iwkV50QfjBE

Did you know that many smoke detectors come with a built-in, non-replaceable 10-year battery? If your alarm beeps to signal a low battery, it's time for a new smoke detector. Stay safe this !

FYI- This is for travelers, as I'm sure all of our resident's have already noticed. Wandering River / Breynat/ plamondon & areas currently has no power. ⚠️ ⚠️

(UPDATE: The affected area has opened up to single lane traffic for an undetermined amount of time.) Please be advised that Highway 63 at Township Road 674 is currently closed due to an accident on the road. Crews are currently on scene.

⚠️ Vehicle accident hwy 63 near to km 66. No further information at this time. Roads are slick. Please drive with caution. ⚠️

⚠️ Vehicle accident northbound near to km 66. Emergency Services are enroute. ⚠️

We would like to remind everyone that winter is upon us. That white stuff falling from the sky is going to make the roads wet & slippery! Please remember that when your driving. Use care. Caution and that little extra time that's required so Emergency Services don't have to come and hangout with you. Keep safe out there! ❄️

Do you know what to do if you see a flashing green light? The lights are meant to signal to other motorists that this is a volunteer firefighter, who is responding to an emergency. By pulling over, you allow the firefighter to get to the station/emergency quicker so that they can help someone in need.

⚠️ Vehicle accident hwy 63 NB near to km 74. Please give emergency Services room to work and slow down. ⚠️

⚠️ Emergency Services on scene at a vehicle rollover. Hwy 63 SB near km15. Please keep slow and to the left when passing. ⚠️

The WRFD has send a huge shout out to their friends at Boyle Fire Rescue for putting on a STARS Ambulance training course for first responders! And another thanks for the great food you provided! These partnerships are what keep us all safe!

School is back in session tomorrow morning! We want to make sure that all of students have a safe and happy return to class, so if you're driving, please make sure to slow down in school zones, and watch carefully for pedestrians. See you tomorrow!

The WRFD was very happy to be invited to the parade today at the Riverbank Golf & RV Park as well as Mountain Creek Estates! A huge shout out for the pancake breakfast given to the volunteer firefighters today! Wishing everyone a incredible and safe Canada Day! 🇨🇦

Have A Safe & Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to WRFD firefighter #616 (RS). Thanks for your dedication and service to our community!

"Smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility at times throughout the day. Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke."

Current values and forecast maximums

(Fire Hall Interstate Located At) 5006 53rd Street Wandering River, Athabasca County Wandering River , AB T0A

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WRFD would like to thank the 2 good Samaritans (Daniel was the one name we got) who stopped and helped put out the fire out along hwy 63 NB by km68. Without these two great people this fire would have quickly moved into the trees. Remember that cigarette butts are dangerous especially this time of year, please put yout butts out properly! Be safe out there !

WRFD would like to remind motorists that passing emergency vehicles with emergency equipment is illegal. These responders know what and where they are going. This truck was traveling to conditions at the posted speed limit or slightly above and there was no need to pass. Please show the respect. You don't know if there is a collision just over the next rise that you may barrel into!

THE ROLLING BARRAGE PTSD AWARENESS

Thanks for coming to our town! We got your 6!

The Rolling Barrage leaving Wandering River!! Thank you for stoping in our community & thank you for making an awareness! #therollingbarrage #wanderingriveralberta

The Rolling Barrage for PTSD arriving into Wandering River 🏍 #therollingbarrage #wanderingriveralberta

Do not pass

Can't believe we have to say this, but please DO NOT PASS EMERGENCY VEHICLES that are driving to a call. There is a reason they aren't doing 130kph!!

Southern Ab structure Fire

WRFD sends good wishes to the Airdrie & Crossfield Fire Departments as they are currently battling a large structure Fire at the Highline Mushroom farm in Crossfield. Be safe! Hope all the employees got out and their jobs can be saved!

WRFD in action

A little video compilation from some recent calls & activities! Your WRFD is always working hard for you! We are currently opening two (2) spots for new members! Come and join our team! PERFECT way to give back to the community!

WRFD attending the duck race at the Riverbank Golf & RV Park ⛳ 🏌️‍♂️

We tested the Air raid siren at the Father’s Day breakfast!

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Alberta volunteer fire department stops service

Responding to highway 63 collisions overwhelms volunteers, social sharing.

Sheri Johnson, the acting fire chief of Wandering River, suspended service Thursday, saying the seven female volunteer firefighters for the hamlet, about 200 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, find the amount of work overwhelming.

The volunteers are on call around the clock covering both the hamlet and a 128-kilometre stretch along northern Alberta's Highway 63, known as one of the most deadly roads in the province.

With the department suspended, Wandering River has no fire or emergency response services, Johnson said.

"As it stands right now, we have no fire protection; we have no medical first response," Johnson said.

The volunteers are trained as firefighters, but most of their calls are as first responders to collisions on Highway 63, Johnson said.

Since all the volunteers have full-time jobs, only two or three of them end up responding to the calls, and that isn't sufficient for a serious crash, she said.

"We all do this because we like to help, but there comes a point in time where you have to say, 'This is a little bit too much'," Johnson said. "Our response on Highway 63 … it's been a lot for the members to handle.

"We're just to the point now where we don't have enough people to do it safely, and without some more volunteers, we just can't carry on the way we've been."

Response time could be as long as 90 minutes

The volunteer fire department in Grassland, about 50 kilometres south of Wandering River, will take over the emergency response in Wandering River for now.

"It's going to delay the time quite a bit to get to the calls, and you want to be there as fast as you can," he said. "It puts stress on us because we know that we're not able to help as soon and as often as we can."

As in Wandering River, the majority of Grassland's calls are for highway crashes. Firefighters face added stress from the severity of the incidents, Derko said.

"We should have more help," he said

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency should pay more attention to small volunteer fire departments, Derko said.

Officials from the agency are expected to speak with Wandering River's firefighters on June 7.

If the agency can find a way for the firefighters to do their jobs without having to handle the Highway 63 crashes, Wandering River's seven volunteer firefighters will consider taking up their posts again, Johnson said.

Responsibility for the emergency management agency falls under Alberta's Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

The province could possibly step in to help Wandering River in the short term, said Municipal Affairs Minister Hector Goudreau, but it doesn't have the budget to help volunteer firefighters cover their territory over the long term; nor does it want to do so.

"We need to recognize that if we do it for that particular community, we will be challenged by every other community in the province of Alberta that provide a paid service to individuals," he said.

The province has dramatically reduced the number of crashes on Highway 63, Goudreau said, by spending more than $1 billion on improvements, which include twinning the road.

With files from the CBC's Briar Stewart

Related Stories

• Man killed in Highway 63 crash
• 2 killed in Highway 63 crash

External Links

• Alberta Emergency Management Agency

Wandering River Fire Department

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• 1.1 Fire Station - 5006 53rd Street
• 2 External Links
• 3 Station Map

Apparatus Roster [ ]

Fire station - 5006 53rd street [ ].

• Rescue 6-1 (671) - 2007 GMC C5500 4x4 / Pierce walk-around (Ex-?)
• (603) - 1990 GMC brush
• (605) - 1991 GMC TopKick / Superior pumper (625 front-mount/1000) (SN#SE 1200)
• (606) - 1994 Ford F-700 / Wabash tanker
• (655) - 2015 Ford F-350 command/wildland
• (672) - 2006 Spartan Gladiator Classic LFD / Superior pumper (1250 top-mount enclosed/500/30A/CAFS) (SN#SE3630?) (Ex- Calgary Fire Department )
• 2001 Ford F-550XL SD 4x4 4-dr / Profire walk-around rescue (Ex- Elkford Fire Department ; purchased October 27, 2021 from City auction)

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Three quarters of a century experience honoured at fire department supper

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ATHABASCA — It was a scene right out of a movie – everyone was sitting down to eat when the call came in, and within seconds, the fire gear was donned, and the sirens were fading into the distance. 

At a supper held by the Wandering River Fire Department (WRFD) July 15 to honour the long service of some of its members, not even a delicious steak could keep them from doing their jobs — which turned out to be a crow hitting a transformer — but the fire burned out by the time they got there. Supper also started late because of an accident on Highway 63. 

“Dad was the ID (Improvement District) councillor so, when we got the first truck he said, ‘Well, you're young,’” said semi-retired firefighter Tim Rebkowich who officially has 32 years in the department. "I thought it was OK because I was self-employed so I could just drop my work and go.” 

That was about 40 years ago; back when Wandering River was still a part of the Lac La Biche ID before being taken over by Athabasca County and because of the proximity to Highway 63, the department deals with the most highway calls of any Athabasca County department, and always has, Rebkowich said. 

“The highway gave us so much more work,” he said. “You take 40 years ago there was just a gravel road and before that it was just a winter road to (Fort) McMurray.” 

He trails off before referring to the highway by a name that's well-earned – the Highway of Death. 

"(The divided highway) has helped for head-on accidents but there’s still a lot of accidents that shouldn’t happen,” Rebkowich said. 

Maureen Kirby, who has spent 24 years and counting fighting fires and delivering first aid, said she doesn’t do it for the pay, because there is none, all monies go back to the department to help buy equipment. 

“It's not a privilege to serve this community, it's an honour,” she said. “I feel it's something that I've been called and asked to do to help the community.” 

Occasionally, they encounter someone they’ve been able to save, and that’s their reward, said chief Andy Snegirev, who has been with the fire department for over 10 years. His wife Roxanne has also joined the department.

“When you help somebody and then they go out of their way and come back,” Snegirev said. “What's the most precious thing you could give somebody? It's your time. There's nothing more precious than that and that’s what we do, we give them more time.” 

Charlie Hebert, who has also been with the WRFD for over 10 years, said he would like to see more volunteers because everyone works so it can be difficult to attend a call sometimes. 

“I’d like to see it grow, more volunteers, take a load off these guys,” he said. “I can’t say I’ve been on a lot of calls because of work.” 

More volunteers are always welcome to apply at all Athabasca County fire departments.

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