Redwood Meadows introduces an all-female duty crew

After 46 years, Redwood Meadows Emergency Services (RMES) is celebrating its first female on-duty crew.

“A September 2020 report released by the Canadian Firefighters Association found that despite approximately 152,650 firefighters (career and volunteer) in Canada, only 4.4 percent are women,” RMES said in a press release.

Thirty-one members are part of RMES, a professional volunteer-run fire department, six of whom are women.

“RMES actively embraces all forms of diversity in our membership, including (but not limited to) age, gender, culture, sexual identity, life experience and profession,” said Fire Chief Rob Evans.

The organization says the six-person crew has more than 50 years of collective experience and expertise.

“I couldn't be more proud of this history-making group of women, and (I'm) very grateful for their significant contributions to our department and community,” Evans said.

The 2024 Alberta wildfire season began on February 20.

“This means that a fire permit is required in a forest protection area, except for bonfires,” the RMES website says.

“The early start is due to drought conditions in many areas of the province, which could lead to increased fire danger in the absence of significant spring rainfall.”

In 2023, RMES responded to 436 calls, the most in the organization's history.

(Equipped/RMES)

“We have seen a significant increase in fire response compared to previous years (in 2023),” RMES said.

“It's probably a good relationship with our partners in Rocky View, which has asked us to help other departments with their fire calls.”

Are there any fire restrictions, warnings or bans in your area? For more information, visit the Alberta Firebans website.