Local fire crews had their work cut out for them during last week’s deep freeze after a blaze gutted a garage north of Pickardville Jan. 11.
The Westlock County Fire Department was alerted to the call at 5:37 p.m. on Wednesday.
Two country departments were dispatched at first, with a third requested shortly after words.
Within an hour a mutual aid request was issued to the Town of Westlock Fire Department and there were soon 32 firefighters on scene.
County fire chief John Biro explained that the call was due to the -30C temperature and the complications resulting from it.
“We had regulators freezing up, we had firefighters freezing up,” said Biro. “So we just needed the extra support out there.”
Additional trucks relayed water to the front lines and a hydrovac was brought in to pull the roof’s insulation to put out any burning rafters or trusses.
A pump operated by a generator was brought by the department to keep the water being used from seeping into the homeowner’s basement.
Crews were able to get the fire under control within two hours, although firefighters and Westlock Emergency Medical Services remained at the home for seven hours.
“It was a very stubborn fire. There was a heavy fuel load in the garage, with lots of petroleum products,” added Biro.
“There were three vehicles lost, some recreational vehicles as well as a bobcat that were stored within the building, which is a very huge fuel load for a compartment fire.”
Crews are still investigating the cause, though the stubborn weather has slowed that process as well.
“The fire definitely originated within the garage itself,” said Biro.
“We were out there today, and most likely we’re going to call in some heavier equipment to get some of the contents out. Right now (the garage) is basically a blob of ice and melted materials, so we’re having difficulties exposing the contents of the garage. Everything’s frozen together. It’s a bit tough to work with a pick-axe.”
While the fate of the garage itself is in question, the combined efforts of the departments managed to keep the house intact. Biro expressed his gratitude to all three departments.
“I really want to commend the volunteer fire fighters,” said Biro.
“They eliminated any excessive damage to the residence itself. The following day, the owners came back and I was very happy to be able to take them inside the residence to get some personal items that they needed for their children.
“The house had very minimal damage. The volunteers did a remarkable job on this one. The teamwork out there was phenomenal, between the two parties.”
