RMES September 2026 Community Newsletter Article

Fall in Redwood Meadows and the greater Bragg Creek area brings cooler evenings, colourful foliage, and the return of fireplaces, heaters, and seasonal décor. It’s also a time when fire risks increase — often quietly — as households shift into autumn routines. Here’s a Fall Fire Safety Guide to help your family stay safe, informed, and ready.

1. Home Heating Safety

As temperatures drop, many homes begin using fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters again. These are among the most common sources of fall and winter fires.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned before your first fire of the season. Creosote buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Keep space heaters at least 1 metre away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and décor.
• Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, never a power bar.
• Turn off all heating appliances before leaving home or going to bed.

2. Smoke & CO Alarm Readiness

Fall is the perfect time to test and refresh your home’s alarm systems.

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries if needed.
• Ensure you have carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Replace alarms every 10 years, even if they appear to work.
• Vacuum alarms gently to remove dust that can reduce sensitivity.

3. Seasonal Décor & Holiday Safety

Autumn decorations are beautiful — but some can introduce fire hazards.

• Avoid placing dried leaves, cornstalks, or wreaths near candles or fireplaces.
• Use LED candles instead of open‑flame candles.
• Check all string lights for frayed wires or damaged plugs.
• Keep exits and pathways clear, especially during gatherings.

4. Outdoor Burning & Yard Cleanup

Dry conditions can persist well into fall, increasing wildfire risk.

• Follow local burning rules and be mindful of burning restrictions.
• Never burn leaves or yard waste — compost instead.
• Store firewood at least 10 metres from your home to reduce ignition risk.
• Clear gutters and roofs of dry leaves and needles.

5. Emergency Preparedness for Fall

Autumn storms, power outages, and early snowfall can create unexpected challenges.

• Prepare a 72‑hour emergency kit with water, food, medications, and flashlights.
• Review your home escape plan with all family members – especially visitors!
• Ensure house numbers are visible for emergency responders in the middle of the night.
• Keep driveways and pathways clear as leaves accumulate.

Your professional volunteer firefighters at RMES respond to hundreds of calls each year. By taking simple steps now, you help reduce preventable emergencies and keep our community safer.

Until next month,

Stay safe!

Redwood Meadows Emergency Services is excited to announce our 2027 recruitment cycle, welcoming applications from both local and non-local candidates. We're seeking six dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in our community.

Recruitment is open from August 25 - September 8 2026

Training Class Details:

• Probationary Firefighter Class begins January 5, 2027
• 6 positions available
• Open to both local and non-local residents

Our Selection Process:

1. Invitation for an Initial Training Night Experience

• • Attend one Tuesday evening session between September 15 - November 10, 2026 (By invitation only)
  • Get firsthand exposure to our training environment
  • Meet our current members

2. Formal Interviews

• • End of November / early December 2026, dates TBD
  • For candidates who successfully complete the training night

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic team of volunteer emergency responders serving our community. Whether you live in Redwood Meadows, Bragg Creek or are willing to commute, we encourage you to apply and begin your journey in emergency services.

As a volunteer organization, these positions are unpaid but offer invaluable experience, professional training, and the opportunity to serve your community. We provide all necessary training and equipment.

RMES is an equal opportunity organization. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or age.

Ready to take the first step? Submit your application today to be considered for our upcoming probationary class.

Application Page

Redwood Meadows Emergency Services is excited to announce our 2027 recruitment cycle, welcoming applications from both local and non-local candidates. We're seeking six dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in our community.

Recruitment is open from August 25 - September 8 2026

Training Class Details:

• Probationary Firefighter Class begins January 5, 2027
• 6 positions available
• Open to both local and non-local residents

Our Selection Process:

1. Invitation for an Initial Training Night Experience

• • Attend one Tuesday evening session between September 15 - November 10, 2026 (By invitation only)
  • Get firsthand exposure to our training environment
  • Meet our current members

2. Formal Interviews

• • End of November / early December 2026, dates TBD
  • For candidates who successfully complete the training night

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic team of volunteer emergency responders serving our community. Whether you live in Redwood Meadows, Bragg Creek or are willing to commute, we encourage you to apply and begin your journey in emergency services.

As a volunteer organization, these positions are unpaid but offer invaluable experience, professional training, and the opportunity to serve your community. We provide all necessary training and equipment.

RMES is an equal opportunity organization. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or age.

Ready to take the first step? Submit your application today to be considered for our upcoming probationary class.

Application Page

In partnership with the Townsite of Redwood Meadows, we are hosting a fall fundraiser to help raise funds needed toward the purchase of a new pumper truck to replace the one we lost in the fire on December 17th.

The event will be a golf tournament at the Redwood Meadows Golf Course on September 24th.

Please review the attached information and registration form. Space is limited, so please respond as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Thank you for your continued support as we work toward rebuilding Redwood Meadows Emergency Services.

Hello Summer!

As our community heads outdoors to enjoy everything summer in our beautiful area offers, we wanted to share some reminders to help keep everyone safe. Summer is a season of adventure, but it’s also a time when preventable emergencies—wildfires, heat-related illness, and water accidents—tend to rise. A little preparation goes a long way.

Staying cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your health.

• Hydration habits — Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up quickly in dry Alberta heat.
• Sun protection — Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade.
• Heat illness awareness — Watch for dizziness, nausea, or headache. These are early signs of heat exhaustion and should never be ignored.

With our forests drying earlier each year, wildfire risk remains a top concern.

• Fire bans — Always check for local restrictions before lighting a campfire.
• Safe campfire setup — Keep fires small, supervised, and fully contained within a designated pit.
• Proper extinguishing — Drown, stir, and repeat until the ashes are cool to the touch. If it’s too hot to hold, it’s too hot to leave.

Summer means more vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife on the roads.

• Defensive driving — Slow down on rural roads and stay alert for deer, elk, and cyclists.
• Towing safety — If you’re hauling boats or campers, double-check your hitch, lights, and load distribution.
• Emergency kits — Keep water, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and a phone charger in your vehicle.

Whether you’re paddling on Forget-Me-Not, rafting the Elbow River or enjoying backyard pool time, water safety is non-negotiable.

• Life jacket use — Wear one anytime you’re on a boat or near fast-moving water.
• Supervision rules — Children should always be within arm’s reach around water.  If you’re the “designated adult”, put your phone down and keep your eyes up at all times.
• Cold water caution — Even in summer, Alberta rivers remain cold enough to cause shock and impair swimming ability.

Summer gatherings mean grilling and outdoor entertaining.

• BBQ maintenance — Check hoses for leaks, keep grills clean and at least one metre from siding or railings.
• Fireworks — Leave them to the professionals.  Not only can they start wildfires, they can cause significant physical injuries.

RMES is proud to serve Redwood Meadows and the greater Bragg Creek area.  We’re even more proud when we see neighbours taking steps to keep themselves and each other safe. Check in on your neighbours – summer isn’t always a happy time for everyone. Knowing someone cares about you can be helpful.

We’ll be out and about at community events and parades throughout the summer, be sure to pop by and say “hi” .

Stay safe!