BEAUVAL — Four more firefighters from southeast Saskatchewan are helping out with protecting northwest communities from wildfires.
Three members of the Oxbow-Enniskillen Fire & Rescue – Chief Doug Pierce, Cory Kitz and Hunter Pierce – were joined by Randy Spencer from the RM No. 2 and Carnduff Fire and Rescue. Oxbow's wildland firefighting vehicle has also been deployed. Spencer brings experience, as he was based out of Weyakwin earlier this year during the fires in northeast Saskatchewan.
The firefighters are stationed in Beauval, which has been evacuated due to the fires, and they have been helping to battle blazes in nearby communities.
The Oxbow-Enniskillen firefighters have been posting updates to the department's Facebook page.
"We are working alongside Type 1 crews today [July 8], securing the fire line from yesterday’s back burn," stated a post. "Pretty interesting seeing how these guys operate. They are safe and are working very hard with several other volunteer departments that have gone up to help with this fire."
The four firefighters left the southeast July 6 and arrived in Beauval the same day. The next day was a relatively slow one as they were orienting themselves with the terrain and area.
Spencer said the experience he had last time in Weyakwin factored into his decision to return to northern Saskatchewan.
"They reached out because I had gone up before, and asked if I would come along," said Spencer, adding it was an easy decision to help the Oxbow crew.
It's a different situation this time, he said. When he was in the Weyakwin area in June, he arrived about halfway through the firefighting efforts. As for Beauval, he arrived early on, which he said meant more preparation this time.
The first couple of days up north were dedicated to controlled backburns, but it can change from day to day.
"You never know what you're doing until you have the morning briefing," said Spencer.
Spencer said they could be gone for anywhere from a few days to more than a week.
It's also good having a few other southeast Saskatchewan firefighters up there. Four firefighters from the Carlyle area are also at Beauval. Spencer said they all know each other from before, and they all get along well and work together well. Crews from the other departments have also been good to work with.
"It's the same as before. Everybody is super good. Everybody gets along, everybody helps each other out and everybody is here for the main common goal. I've never had one bad experience either time."
Spencer thanked his family for their support and his employer for giving him the time off to allow him to return to the north.
