LAC LA BICHE - As National Fire Prevention Month is set to begin next week, Lac La Biche County's regional fire chief and manager of protective services says the public continues to be a vital part of fire prevention.
"Always report anything suspicious," says John Kokotilo.
In recent months, municipal fire crews have been called out to several structure fires — some that are being investigated as arson-caused.
While Kokotilo says his crews have been kept busy, he says the number of recent fires is not triggering any alarm bells.
"We are still on track for normal numbers as in the past six years," he said. "We have had some suspicious fires which are still being investigated."
RCMP are continuing to investigate a June 22 fire that completely destroyed the longstanding V&H Drive-in restaurant in Lac La Biche. Police are also continuing to investigate a fire in July at a school division building and a house fire on 105 Street earlier this month.
When asked if he thinks the arson fires are a growing concern, he said it always warrants attention.
"Arson is always a concern in any community," he said, again stressing the importance of residents to report suspicious activity.
Kokotilo says that the current service levels of the municipality's six fire stations, as well as equipment levels continue to keep the community's fire service response at top levels.
"At this time we have well trained personnel, very good equipment, and sufficient numbers to respond," he said, adding that over-lapping service also helps to maintain adequate response whenever calls come in. "We have provisions and procedures for multiple call-outs — more than one Station) — whenever required – this ensures back-up for emergency response at any time, in any District."
For more information on local firefighting services — and how you can volunteer to join — see next week's Fire Prevention Week section in your Lakeland This Week newspaper, and online at www.lakelandtoday.ca
