Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Friday, May 25, 2007

FORT SIMPSON - Two local fire crews have started their seasons with action.

On May 16, their second day of work, the five person crews of Fort Liard B and Nogha 3 were deployed to help fight forest fires in northern Ontario.

Having such a quick deployment is welcomed by the crew members.

"It's good," said Jim Deneron, the crew leader for Fort Liard Crew B.

The quick start will give the crews immediate experience and set a base for the rest of the season.

"It usually takes two fires to get back into shape," said Deneron.

Both crews started work on May 14 and spent a day doing a refresher course that is taken every spring. The course reviews different safety issues including fireline safety, aircraft safety and fire behaviour as well as any new safety guidelines. Deneron also spent two weeks in Fort Smith taking a level two fireline management course for additional experience.

Even after 23 fire seasons, Deneron still finds excitement in every new season.

"Every fire is different," he said.

"It's just something I enjoy doing every summer."

This deployment will include new elements for Deneron. The crews are being deployed to the area around Thunder Bay, a location that Deneron hasn't been to before.

"It'll be nice, something different," said Deneron.

When heading out to a fire crew members can't be sure how long they'll be gone. Most deployments last 14 days and the maximum is 18, said Deneron. With travel time added, a crew can be gone for 21 days.

To be prepared, each member takes a pack filled with everything they'll need. Gear includes a tent, bedroll, steel-toed safety boots with shanks, a helmet, and a enough changes of clothes for two weeks with the assumption you won't find a laundromat, said Deneron with a smile.

Crew leaders also take a GPS device and a satellite phone. Each pack has to weigh under 65 pounds.

Being deployed is a great way to see old friends again, said Troy Ruttle, the crew leader for Nogha 3.

At the fires you often meet friends from crews that you've worked with before, said Ruttle. Crew members usually stay the same from year to year. This year there's only one new member on Nogha 3.

Being deployed quickly is also welcomed because it ensures a team will get to travel. A crew is only deployed once or twice in a season, said Ruttle. One season Nogha 3 was deployed three times. Crews are always ready for deployment.

"It's nothing new to us," said Ruttle.

In his 19th season, Ruttle said he enjoys the job.

"The challenge and the thrill of fighting a fire and flying in helicopters," Ruttle said are some of the best parts.

Minutes before leaving the Fort Simpson airport with the other members to catch their flight, Jeremiah Martineau, the new member of Nogha 3, said he was excited about the new experience.

After spending four years as a floater working on fires around the territory, Martineau said he was looking forward to working outside of the territory.