DAWSON CREEK -- The Dawson Creek fire department says they are on pace to meet last year’s record of 797 calls for service, after a new report reveals a busy start to the year.
In a report presented to Dawson Creek city council on April 29, between January and the end of March, the department responded to 203 emergency calls for service.
Fire Chief Marcel Capelle says the department responded to 10 structure fires in the first three months of 2024.
“A large amount of structure fires so far in the first quarter that we normally don’t have—we probably had as many structure fires in the first quarter than we normally have in a whole year,” said Capelle.
The demand on fire crews extending to grass and brush fires, with the department responding to eight calls since the beginning of the year.
The department also responded to six vehicle fires, two chimney fires, one dumpster fire, and two rubbish fires.
In April, Capelle says the department has already responded to close to 70 calls for service.
Capelle highlights a growing number of crews going out to assist paramedics on a number of life-threatening medical calls both in Dawson Creek and Fort ST. John.
“We go there until another ambulance can be dispatched, but for the most part, its doing life-saving procedures assisting the ambulance,” said Capelle.
The fire chief says they are expecting call volumes to increase form May to September and is reminding residents of the burn ban in place for the region as the weather begins to warm up.
The department also issued 48 burn permits, conducted 52 building alarm tests, conducted eight public work events, and held four car seat education classes between January and March.
