Dave Cleaveley, who is responsible for all fire operations in the North West region from Marathon in the east to the Manitoba border on the West, was Dryden Rotary's guest speaker at its May 2nd meeting.

Cleaveley reported that 65% of wildfires are lightning cause while the other 35% are created by humans.

CL415 waterbomber by Tom NebbsCL415 waterbomber by Tom NebbsThe North West fire region has about 115 full time staff, 600 seasonal fire rangers and 500 auxilliary fire fighters.

Dryden employes about 155 people.  Stationed here are four CL415 waterbombers, 2 Twin Otters, 4 Bird Dogs, and 10 detection aircraft and helicopters.

All attack crews consist of 4 persons and will work up to 19 days in a row. On an initial attack, a crew may be dropped off and are on their own for up to 24 hours before additional resources and supplies are provided.

The cost of firefighting in 2011 was about $270 million. Already nearly 100 fires have been extinguished this year  in North West region.




 Like this then ...listen to American singer Jerry Mills sing "Come Join Us"