ASHMONT - The Ashmont Fire Department had a busy 2024 so far, with wildfire season starting in late March and continuing through until early May.
"The last week of April had us respond to some major wildland fires in our area," says Fire Chief James Preston. "Crews worked for a week straight to bring the fires under control with the County eventually bringing in Alberta Wildfire to fully extinguish one fire."
The department currently has 19 active members on its roster.
"We purchased a new set of hydraulic rescue tools [Jaws of Life] this year, and ordered - and will be building - a new brush truck for the department over the winter," explains the Chief.
Call volume for the year will likely be about average with the department responding to 50 calls so far this year, with three months to go.
"The number of hours our members have put in has increased due to the large fires in spring time," he notes.
Ashmont Fire Department Roster
James Preston – Fire Chief
Wendell Baerg – Deputy Chief
Allen Preston – Captain
Baxter Bailey – Captain
Clayton Jeffery – FF
Ryan Galas – FF
Ashley Katerenchuk – FF
Trevor Stepp – FF
Dillon Page – FF
Matt Noddings – FF
Cameron Latchford – FF
Christy Latchford – FF
Cody Selezinka – FF
Jerome Crisostomo – FF
Nick Perepeletza – FF
Dante Devlin – FF
Eva Preston – FF
Tannis Baerg – FF
Dwayne Newby – Pump Operator
