Return To Night Firefighting Not Likely

Return To Night Firefighting Not Likely

Monday, July 10, 2006 at 13:10

A spokesperson with the Saskatchewan government says northern fire crews won’t likely fight fires at night unless they absolutely have to.

Janette Krayetski says night firefighting has been done in the past, but is a very rare practice these days due to the risk.

Some northern residents are calling for a return to that tactic, as fires continue to wreak havoc in the North.

But Krayetski says officials won’t put personnel on the front lines unless they have back-up support, communications and light to work with.

She says smoke is another consideration because winds usually die down at night, leaving it in a thick cloud over the fire.

Krayetski notes it can be harder to transport an injured firefighter to safety if everything isn’t in place.