COCHRANE— Dedicated to keeping the community safe, Cochrane firefighters are rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The fire department, like everyone, is adjusting to the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic said Cochrane Fire Services inspector Jeff Avery.
“We are here for you as well and we will try and accommodate your needs when you ask,” Avery said. “We’re still working. We’re still doing all of our normal fire calls.”
Firefighters may look a little different when responding to some calls, Avery said explaining that any scene where there is a suspicion of COVID-19 members wear masks, gowns and goggles to ensure first responders stay safe.
“No chances are taken,” Avery said. “If anything is even suspected then it is treated as a COVID case.”
The biggest challenge Avery said was the unknown that was created by the pandemic. Firefighters worked tirelessly to learn about public health protocols and to better understand how the virus is spread in communities.
Avery added that it was concerning thinking about the risk of exposure because firefighters have to go home to their families.
“I think the biggest fear of a lot of the people working at the fire hall was getting exposed and then going home to your family,” Avery said, explaining that this motivated them to be extremely careful in following public health measures and protocols.
In these uncertain times first responders have been able to keep morale up at the station, Avery said. He added that the community parades in Cochrane especially helped to boost the spirit of local firefighters, RCMP and other first responders.
It was incredible to see that level of support and appreciation from Cochranites for first responders and front line workers, he said.
“That was a little bit of fresh air that we took in,” Avery said. “Anyone that was getting overwhelmed or tired could see the backing of the community— [It showed] we are all in it together.”
The community parades were great experience he said and served as a way for the community to gather safely and showcase that Cochranites are Cochrane Strong in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been amazing seeing the unique and innovative ways first responders are finding to engage with the public during the health crisis, Avery said.
The best thing residents can do to support firefighters now is staying home, hunkering down and following public health measures, he said, to help bring the pandemic to an end as soon as possible.
He added that it is especially important to be fire safe because it is prime wildfire season.
There is a fire ban in Cochrane right now he said, explaining that the community is currently in the midst of wildfire season.
If you do spot smoke Avery said to immediately call 911 so firefighters can check it out before it becomes even larger.
“We’re slowly adjusting because besides the COVID we still have all of our regular duties to do,” Avery said. “We’re in the heart of grass fire season its still kind of business as usual but a big thing on top of the business as usual.”
