Forty Mile Fire Service: Reliable Front Line Support 

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

This year saw Forty Mile Fire Service busy with community events, educational opportunities, and continued, dependable, reliable support for the residents and businesses the department serves.

Richard H. Baur, Regional Deputy Fire Chief, recaps the year by discussing the many community events and activities in which the department routinely engages.

This year, members have supported trail rides, rodeos, parades, fire academy training, the 9-11 memorial service in Lethbridge, and many other community gatherings,” he says. “The firefighters have and continue to contribute to these community functions in addition to taking part in complex training, various committees, educational conferences, and emergency responses. Further engagements this year will include pancake breakfasts, fire prevention week, Halloween events, and more.

Chief Baur joined the department in March 2025.

“I stepped into this role with the intention of honouring the legacy of those who built the Forty Mile Fire Service before me, and to ensure its strength for the next generation of firefighters,” he shares. “My focus is to foster a culture of accountability, interoperability, and continuous training across all stations. Since joining, the firefighters of the Forty Mile Fire Service have demonstrated pride, professionalism, and responsibility in their duty of protecting our communities. I’m proud to stand beside them and do my part to help the department continue growing, adapting, and honoring the legacy it represents.”

That legacy includes ongoing training to ensure the department is current with the latest tools and techniques.

Chief Baur explains, “During regional training days across the county, firefighters from multiple stations have stepped forward to give their personal time in the pursuit of a strong unified fire service. This program asks firefighters to go beyond their core duties to strengthen our capability and impact. Together, we are raising the standard of service our communities can rely on.”

He also notes about the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course, “We have joined forces with the Alberta Health & Safety Training Institute (AHASTI) to bring this college level course to the County. This training will enhance our care on multiple call types across the county. This will also make it possible for firefighters to continue their education to become a licensed Primary Care Paramedic (PCP).”

There is also the annual Fire Prevention Program, in which the department proudly takes part.

“The Forty Mile Fire Service is bringing engaging education to schools throughout our community. Our members are committed to empowering everyone with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe and prevent fires. This year, we’re expanding our outreach and planning to visit more schools than ever to provide each class with tailored guidance on their role in fire prevention.”

What are Chief Baur’s top tips? “Stay safe and charge into fire safety! Charge devices on a hard, flat surface – never on your bed or couch. Ensure you are using the right charger for your device and recycle old batteries safely.”

 The Forty Mile Fire Service is currently recruiting paid-on-call firefighters from across the County. Candidates will take part in a comprehensive training program designed to prepare them for front line emergency response roles. Interested individuals aged 16+ may contact Regional Deputy Fire Chief Baur at deputy.chief@fortymile.ab.ca to learn more.