Spruce Grove firefighters help battle massive fire

Protecting Slave Lake during crisis

Lt. Alan Hofsink of Spruce Grove Fire Services fights Slave Lake fire

By

May 26, 2011

On Sunday, May 15 at 10:42 p.m. a crew of nine firefighters were asked to respond to the Slave Lake fire. The crew took one Public Works pick up with fuel and a mechanic, two bush trucks, one pumper truck and one command vehicle. One of Public Work’s mechanics came in after hours to help prepare the crew for the trip.
 
When Spruce Grove firefighters arrived in Slave Lake everything was pitch black, abandoned and there were fires burning in and around the town.

“There are no words to describe the scene we were greeted with when we arrived in Slave Lake,” says Lieutenant Alan Hofsink, “It was both devastating and eerie at the same time. The town was silent and there were no people, animals or noise of any kind.”

The Spruce Grove resources were assigned to protect a sector of the community and the Spruce Grove’s Fire Chief was assigned operational fire command.

For Fire Chief Robert Kosterman what stood out the most was the dedication of the Slave Lake fire crews.

“They were beyond exhaustion and in need of relief, but remained professional and dedicated the whole time. On their own they saved almost all of the community’s critical infrastructure, including the main fire hall, RCMP offices, the hospital, schools, the college and the water plant to name a few. This amazing feat was accomplished with very little outside assistance.”

“Sending firefighters and resources to Slave Lake during the wildfires was the least that we could do in such a devastating situation,” says Spruce Grove Mayor, Stuart Houston. “As mayor it makes me proud that we have the skills and resources to provide assistance to another municipality in a time of need.”

How you can help

If you would like to help Slave Lake residents the Red Cross is accepting donations. You can donate money via credit card at their national number: 1-800-418-1111 or online at RedCross.ca