The Fire Ban for Redwood Meadows has been lifted effective immediately.

Please remember that fire pits of any size require a permit from the town site. Permit application forms can be downloaded here.

RMES Fire Chief Rob Evans, in conjuntion with town site administration, has issued a Fire Ban for the town site of Redwood Meadows effective immediately, due to the dry conditions.

No open fires, the use of firepits, or solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes) are allowed.

Liquid fuel barbecues (propane and natural gas) are allowed.

Please check this page for a list of prohibited activities and exceptions to the fire ban.

By-Law #98-2:

- Violations: Illegal burning fine $100 / per incident

- Violations: Attendance by fire department for illegal burning  Contract Rates / per incident

This fire ban shall remain in effect until such time as The Townsite deems appropriate as authorized by the Redwood Meadows Fire Department.

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Like it or not, winter is coming.  It’s time to get prepared for whatever it will bring!

Follow these tips for staying safe:

1. Have fun outdoors.

• Before heading out, complete a trip plan and leave it with friends or family. Start your adventures early in the day in case you encounter problems so we can find you in daylight.
• Get trained for your adventure and stay within your limits.
• Take survival essentials with you and equipment
• Wear a helmet when skiing, skating, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
• Dress in layers to avoid hypothermia and keep your head, ears and hands covered to prevent frostbite.
• Be careful when completing fall cleaning activities.  Use equipment such as ladders and chainsaws safely. 

2. Be safe indoors: Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work, get your furnace serviced and don't leave burning candles unattended.

3. Check your family emergency kit: Gather basic emergency kit items, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water, extra medication, pet food and blankets.

4. Get your vehicle ready: Get your vehicle serviced. Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle.

A final note....hazardous material drop offs at the fire hall are becoming a problem. Some of these drop offs are occurring during weekend duty shifts when members are there and can redirect them. Other times, hazardous materials are being dropped off more secretly. Redwood Meadows Emergency Services is not set up to accept hazardous materials – please do not leave them at the fire hall. The Bragg Creek Waste Transfer Station is equipped and welcomes you to bring your waste, recycling and hazardous material drop offs to them during regular hours.

Until next month, stay safe.

The Fire Ban for Redwood Meadows has been lifted effective immediately.

Please remember that fire pits of any size require a permit from the town site. Permit application forms can be downloaded here.

It’s been a busy summer for RMES!

Our members spent much of the summer responding to backcountry rescue calls with our partners at Kananaskis Public Safety, Alpine Helicopters, STARS and Alberta Parks. With beautiful fall weather ahead of us, here’s a few tips to help ensure we don’t “meet” you in the backcountry:

• Start early – It’s easier for first responders to find you in daylight and get you to safety.  Days are getting shorter and it’s harder for our crews to find you in the dark.
• Park in designated parking spaces –  Trailheads are busy and parking lots are full.  Please park in designated parking stalls only to leave room for emergency vehicles and crews to do our work.
• Wear the gear – Wear the right equipment for the activity you’re planning to enjoy; including footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and helmets if you’re riding a bike.
• Carry emergency gear with you – Having a flashlight, first aid kit, medication, water and small supply of food will make it easier to wait for us to get to you.
• Take a buddy – Don’t adventure alone.
• Talk to your kids – Sometimes things happen to adults.  Before you set out for your adventure, discuss an emergency plan with minors including how/where to get help if an adult(s) get injured.
• Tell someone where you’re going, the route you’re taking and when you’ll be back.

As always, when you see the big red trucks coming up behind you with our lights flashing and sirens going. Pull over and stop. It’s the law and someone else is depending on us to get them quickly and safely.

Until next month, stay safe!