By Clark Stork

Melfort fire chief settling into role

Oct 31, 2017 | 3:15 PM

A ladder truck isn’t the only thing new within the Melfort Fire Department, as chief Paul See is still learning the ropes after five months in the position.

See was previously the head of the Waskesiu department on a contract basis while he was employed at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre.

He admits his new full time position has brought it’s challenges, but said that is what he was searching for in the new position.

“That’s been a good challenge,” he said Tuesday. “The other thing we’re working on is moving forward, planning for the future, upgrading equipment and working on our training. It’s been a fun time so far.”

He pointed back to the new ladder truck that replaced the 33-year-old version since See’s arrival.

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That’s just one piece of their arsenal that, according to See, will help with the different types of calls the Melfort department fields, as opposed to the Waskesiu station.

“We don’t have the boreal forest to deal with, but we do have field fires, stubble fires, that takes some time to assess,” See said. “We do things a little different with those and the highway responses, especially with the roads changing in the last couple weeks. That’s picked up and been busier for us.”

The mindset battling blazes has changed over the years as well, not just here in Melfort.

“We don’t fight fires like we did 20 or 30 years ago, the newer buildings are in a collapse mode in that seven to 10-minute mark. That changes the way we do business,” See said.

See is the lone career position within the department, the rest are volunteers paid per call. Recruitment has been key for him as well and that’s going well. Their doors are always open for more volunteers.

“You are on the sideline, you kind of check things out,” during a training session See explained.

“If it’s something for you we will get you some old gear or something to start the training sessions. If it’s not for you then you can walk away. At least people can check it out and know if it’s for them or not.”

Anyone interested in joining the department can contact See at Melfort City Hall.

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork