Eight structure fires among more than 190 calls for service in July

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on August 9, 2024.

The Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services released a breakdown Thursday of the 196 emergency incidents members responded to last month.

Of those calls for service, eight were structure fires, 13 were outside fires and 25 calls involved carbon monoxide and gas leaks.

On July 24 the News reported firefighters responded to three separate structure fires within a 12-hour period, including two house fires located within one block of each other.

Deputy chief Douglas Gill says firefighters have been working on a rotating schedule to allow for breaks during periods of intense heat.

Gill explains that conditions along non-irrigated areas of the city pose a threat for potential fires because heavy rainfall throughout May contributed to the growth of large amounts of vegetation that, when dry, can provide lots of fuel to an outdoor fire.

Throughout July fire crews also responded to 20 motor vehicle collisions, 34 medical calls, as well as 13 citizen assists.