Above: On September 17th 1950, a fire tore through downtown Wembley destroying multiple businesses and homes. Community members formed a bucket brigade, but the fire quickly spread. Nicks Garage, Davis' Shoe Repair, McCordicks Meat Market, Yackimchuks General Store, Purves' Pool Hall and the Yackimchuks residence were lost. The fire was stopped just short of the Wembley Hotel. A few weeks later, a Town meeting was held, and the Wembley Fire Department was formed. They invested $1,400 to purchase a wheeled cart with a water tank and hoses known as a "Water Wagon". The Water Wagon was used for the first time in June of 1953 when a fire broke out again in downtown Wembley. Despite assistance from the Grande Prairie Fire Department, both the Wembley Pool Hall and Wembley Cafe were leveled. It wasn't until the early 1960's that the Fire Department would receive its first modern Fire Engine.
Question: Do I require a fire permit in the Town of Wembley?
Answer: You do NOT require a fire permit for residential fire pits within the Town of Wembley. Residents within Town limits are permitted to burn non-treated wood within a contained fire pit. Burn piles such as brush, leaves or grass are not permitted on residential properties. Commercial properties DO require a fire permit for burning within Town limits. To obtain a fire permit for a commercial property in the Town of Wembley, contact the Fire Department at 780-766-3170.
Prohibited Debris that is not permitted to be burned within Town limits include:
- Animal manure
- Pathological waste
- Non-wooden material such as waste material from building or construction sites
- Tires
- Rubber or plastic, or anything containing or coated with rubber or plastic or similar substances
- Oils
- Wood or wood products containing substances for the purpose of preserving wood
- Any other waste defined as Prohibited Debris under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
Be sure to understand the rules and regulations related to burning in your area. To Download the Town of Wembley's Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw 735, Click Here.
County of Grande Prairie: If you reside within the County of Grande Prairie, you DO require a valid fire permit for any burning. For residents or businesses within the County of Grande Prairie, visit the link below to access the fire guardians for your area.
Link: County of Grande Prairie Fire Permits
Question: Can the Fire Department fill my swimming pool?
Answer: The Wembley Fire Department does not fill swimming pools. We would recommend contacting a potable water delivery service to fill your swimming pool.
Question: Can I attend a ride along with the Wembley Fire Department?
Answer: We are not currently offering a ride along program.
Question: What is the difference between the Wembley Fire Department and the Wembley Firefighters Association?
Answer: The Wembley Fire Department is the primary emergency response agency for the Town of Wembley. We are a combination department with >25 volunteer firefighters and 2 full-time staff. Members of the Wembley Fire Department participate in all aspects of emergency response. The Wembley Firefighters Association (WFFA) is a non-profit organization intended to support the Fire Department and the community. It provides civilian members the opportunity to support their community through fundraising and community events. Members of the WFFA come from all walks of life and do not need to serve on the Fire Department to join. The Association supports the Fire Department by providing funding for equipment and training to allow the Department to better serve the community. If you are interested in joining the WFFA, contact them at wembleyfirefightersassociation@outlook.com
You can also visit the Wembley Firefighters Association Facebook page to learn more.
Question: How do I join the Wembley Fire Department?
Answer: Click the Recruitment tab to be taken to the recruitment landing page. Here you will find all of the information you need to apply. You can also stop by the station Monday-Friday and speak with someone about applying.
Question: Why does the Wembley Fire Department respond to medical emergencies?
Answer: Many fire departments respond to medical emergencies to support EMS through a medical co-response program. The Wembley Fire Department is a full co-response agency, meaning we will respond with EMS to any medical call, no matter the severity. The Town of Wembley's location means an ambulance may come from the City of Grande Prairie, or the Town of Beaverlodge. We realized the need to ensure fast and prompt emergency service was available to the Town and surrounding areas. Our firefighters often arrive on scene prior to the ambulance. This ensures the patient receives contact from emergency services and emergency care sooner. Firefighters will assess the patient and provide interventions as needed. Should a patient's situation worsen, our firefighters have the training and equipment to provide basic life supports until a higher level of care arrives.
Question: Can I have a birthday party or private event at the fire station?
Answer: We do not offer the fire station to the public for private events. Community groups wishing to utilize the Wembley Fire Hall for a community event can contact the fire station directly at 780-766-3170 or email fireoperations@wembley.ca
Question: Can I tour the fire station?
Answer: Yes! The public can request to tour the fire station at any time. It is recommended to call ahead of time to ensure the firefighters are not out on an emergency. Our firefighters are happy to show you around the station, through the apparatus and to answer any questions you may have.
Question: Why do some of your fire trucks have the Wembley Fire Department logo and some have the County of Grande Prairie logo?
Answer: The Town of Wembley owns 3 primary firefighting apparatus. These apparatus serve as the primary response units for the Town of Wembley, and bear the Wembley Fire Department logo and name on their doors. In addition to those 3 units, the County of Grande Prairie provides 1-Fire Engine and 1-Water Tender under contract to serve the district surrounding Wembley. Each apparatus housed in our station has special capabilities that suit the needs of various emergencies. Depending on the location and type of incident, specific apparatus are dispatched to mitigate the emergency. The same system is utilized in the towns of Beaverlodge and Sexsmith. County apparatus provided to contract stations like Wembley will bear the County logo on the center of the door, with the station it is based out of underneath!
Question: Does the Fire Department charge me if I call 9-1-1?
Answer: There is no charge for calling the fire department during a real emergency. Additionally, if your monitored alarm system is triggered and results in a fire department response, you will not receive a bill. However, repeated false alarms may result in fees for the homeowner. It is important to familiarize yourself with local bylaws regarding fire services. It is also recommended to ensure your contact information for your alarm system is updated and you test your equipment regularly. If your alarm monitoring company is unable to get ahold of you to confirm the nature of the alarm, the Fire Department must respond to confirm that no emergency is occurring. Fees related to repeated false alarms can be found in Schedule C of the Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw 735.
Please note that homeowners can still face penalties or fines for burning prohibited materials, burning during a fire ban, burning without a valid permit and negligence. Be sure to understand the rules and regulations for your area. Schedule B of the Town of Wembley's Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw 735 outlines fees and penalties that can be incurred. To Download the Town of Wembley's Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw 735, Click Here.
Have a question that isn't listed?
Contact the Wembley Fire Department at 780-766-3170 or email fireoperations@wembley.ca