(Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Adapting to the Times

Buckland Fire and Rescue implement new protocols to combat COVID-19

Mar 30, 2020 | 3:02 PM

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force changes within many businesses throughout the province, members of the Buckland Fire Department are taking extra steps to protect themselves and the public.

Buckland Fire and Rescue serves the R.M. of Buckland and Deputy Fire Chief Chris Doucette told paNOW they’re still responding to calls during the provincial state of emergency.

“With COVID-19 we’ve really put in some newer protocols or updated protocols to protect our firefighters and our people that we’re dealing with,” Doucette said.

Some of the protocols include decontamination of the apparatus after returning from a call, making sure all contact points are wiped down and firefighters are practicing their decontamination process through proper hand washing techniques.

“We’re wiping down all our common touch points with appropriate disinfectants making sure that’s all done,” he said.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

They’ve also added more items to their personal protective equipment to help combat the virus including N95 masks and gloves.

“We’re really ensuring that our firefighters are practicing the social distancing protocols, we’re making sure that only people who need to be involved directly in the incident are going and everybody is keeping those social distancing protocols in mind while on the scene as well,” he explained.

The way they respond to calls has not changed and will continue to serve the R.M.

“We are at times making a decision as to sending the minimum amount of personnel that would be needed to deal with the situation,” he said. “And having some of the guys standing back kind of on standby so we’re not letting everyone go all at one time.”

Despite the ongoing precautions amidst the pandemic, Doucette said all members are fully prepared to respond to any incident in full capacity.

“I want to reassure our members in the R.M. of Buckland that our response is not changing,” he said.

–

Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12