Kindersley firefighters respond to early January calls; department welcomes new chaplain

KINDERSLEY — Kindersley Fire Department crews responded to several incidents across the region in the first half of January, including a residential structure fire, two highway rollovers and a mutual-aid call involving an oilfield tank fire.

Accident scene supplied by Kindersley Fire Department

Rev. Piotr (Peter) Strzelecki of St. Paul’s United Church

Firefighters were first dispatched to a structure fire on Jan. 3 at 1:32 p.m. Multiple units responded and, on arrival, smoke was visible venting from side windows of the building.

An initial entry team located the fire in the basement and brought it under control. The department declared a loss stop at 2:12 p.m., with the fire confirmed out. All units cleared the scene by 3:16 p.m., and personnel were back in service by 5:16 p.m.

On Jan. 8, the department was dispatched at 11:37 a.m. to provide mutual aid for an oilfield tank fire alongside a major fire department. Kindersley Fire responded with two Class A pumpers, two 3,750-gallon tenders, a utility unit carrying 250 gallons of foam, a Hollands Hot Oiling water truck, and a command vehicle.

Upon arrival, Kindersley crews were placed on standby while the major department accessed the scene. The fire was extinguished, and after a scene assessment, Kindersley Fire was released to return to service. Kindersley personnel and equipment were cleared at 2:28 p.m.

Two highway collisions with injuries also required fire response.

Crews were dispatched at 8:37 a.m. on Jan. 14 to a single-vehicle rollover with injuries on Highway 7 east. The department deployed two rescue units, two traffic units, and a command vehicle. Firefighters completed patient assessment and stabilized the vehicle while EMS and RCMP attended the scene.

EMS transported the patient to hospital, while Kindersley Fire maintained traffic control until a tow truck arrived. Crews cleared for service at 10:30 a.m.

A second rollover call came in the evening of Jan. 15 at 9:32 p.m., involving a semi truck east of Kindersley on Highway 7. Two rescue units, two traffic units and a command vehicle were dispatched. On arrival, firefighters secured the vehicle and established traffic control while EMS assessed the driver. Personnel and equipment were cleared at 10:51 p.m.

Department appoints volunteer chaplain

The department also announced a new volunteer chaplain: Rev. Piotr (Peter) Strzelecki of St. Paul’s United Church, who will support firefighters and their families.

Fire Chief Jeff Soveran said the chaplain will serve as an added resource for members of the department, offering spiritual and emotional support.

Strzelecki described the role as a “ministry of presence,” emphasizing availability and non-judgmental support for those who serve.

More information about the Kindersley Fire Department and the chaplain’s role is available at www.kindersleyfire.ca.

— With files from the Kindersley Fire Department.