Photo credit: Village of Candle Lake website

Candle Lake Fire Department is being proactive when it comes to wildfire season.

Fire Chief Jim Arnold says the department has put together a values protection trailer. It has over 15,000 feet of hose, 16 pumps, and sprinkler heads.

“One of the things we ran unto last year when the fires were approaching Candle Lake, is the SPSA had nothing left. We’re trying to make it so we can somewhat protect ourselves.”

The department also purchased a one ton that they’ve converted into an attack truck. It’s designed for the ‘bump and run’ tactic, which requires crews to move in front of the fire to extinguish spot fires caused by embers.

Last weekend, the department hosted over 70 firefighters from the surrounding area for a training seminar. Arnold says Candle Lake’s Fire Department is spearheading this proactiveness.

“I do know that some of the other fire departments are coming in to see what we’re doing. Hopefully they will take the bull by the horns and take responsibility for some of the things you need to do to protect your own community.”

However, he admits that the Department doesn’t have enough resources to protect the entire community- probably only enough to shield two of the 21 subdivisions.

If you’re looking to do some proactive protection of your own, Arnold says people can surround their property with 1.5 metres of crushed rock to prevent embers and fires from crawling up their siding. He also encourages everyone to head to the Fire Smart website for an entire protocol on how to stay safe this summer.

In 2025, the massive SHOE fire came within 9 kilometres of Candle Lake.