Mackenzie County works to keep residents safe through emergency response, preparedness, and community support programs. This page provides information on fire and rescue services, policing, FireSmart initiatives, flood mitigation and recovery efforts, disaster resources, and opportunities to volunteer with local Fire & Rescue departments.

Fire & Rescue services are delivered by three volunteer departments: Fort Vermilion Fire and Rescue, La Crete Fire and Rescue, and Zama Fire and Rescue. The rural High Level area is serviced by the Town of High Level through a Regional Service Sharing Agreement. Residents interested in serving their community are encouraged to contact their local department about volunteer opportunities. In an emergency, always call 911.Fees for fire services are outlined in the Fire Services Bylaw and the Fee Schedule Bylaw:

Fort Vermilion Fire and Rescue Service Area: Fort Vermilion Fire Chief: Neil Simpson Deputy Fire Chief: Frank Fehr Fire Hall: 780-927-3278 Fax: 780-927-3722 La Crete Fire and Rescue Service Area: La Crete, Buffalo Head Prairie, Tompkins Fire Chief: Peter Wiebe Deputy Fire Chief: Samuel Peters Fire Hall: 780-928-3869 Fax: 780-928-2804 Zama Fire and Rescue Service Area: Zama City Fire Chief: Shawn Hiltz Deputy Fire Chief: Roxane Tarr

The following are the duties required of fire and rescue volunteers: - Respond to suppression and emergency call-outs in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures; - Respond to calls not only within the County but also those in other fire districts as defined in mutual aid agreements; - Ability to exercise discretion and tact and to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations; - Lift, carry, and set up equipment and materials on the scene; - Participate in mandatory training to ensure currency within established policy and procedures; - Be on voluntary call; - Operate in a team environment; - Perform Hall Duties-washing trucks and equipment, ensure that all equipment is in a state of readiness for a response, cleaning, and maintaining gear; - Participate in promotional and community events; - Other responsibilities as assigned Become a Volunteer Contact your local Fire Department to inquire about becoming a volunteer! Practice Days and Times​ Fort Vermilion – Monday @ 7:00 p.m. La Crete – Monday @ 7:30 p.m. Zama – Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m. Why Volunteer? Volunteering with Fire & Rescue offers an opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and grow personally while serving the community. Volunteers make a meaningful difference by helping others, supporting an important cause, exploring new interests, and acting as positive role models within their communities. Who should volunteer? Fire & Rescue volunteers are community-minded individuals aged 18 and over who are looking for a new challenge and want to give back. Ideal volunteers will enjoy active, hands-on work and physical challenges, while others may contribute through important administrative and support roles within the department. What's needed to volunteer? To volunteer with Fire & Rescue, applicants must provide a copy of their driver’s abstract and a criminal record check. Just as important is a willingness to learn and a positive attitude, as volunteers participate in ongoing training and work as part of a dedicated team serving their community.

Mackenzie County supports wildfire risk reduction through FireSmart initiatives that help protect communities, infrastructure, and surrounding landscapes. Through partnerships with provincial and national FireSmart programs, residents can access resources and guidance on reducing wildfire risk and improving preparedness.

Policing in Mackenzie County is provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), with detachments located in Fort Vermilion and High Level serving communities throughout the region. RCMP officers work with residents to support public safety, respond to emergencies, and address local policing concerns. Follow the link to review the RCMP's regional crime map: The contact information for local RCMP detachments: Fort Vermilion RCMP Detachment Service Area:  Fort Vermilion and La Crete Administration:  780-927-3258 Complaints:  780-927-3255 High Level RCMP Detachment Service Area:  High Level and Zama City Administration:  780-821-7000 Complaints:  780-926-2226

Planning and Preparation Mackenzie County continues to plan and prepare to protect against future threats of flooding caused by the rising waters of the Peace River. In the event of a flood, measures will be taken to protect key County infrastructure along the Peace River. Residents are responsible to protect their own properties. Sandbagging Support for Residents The County has a sandbagging machine that can be used to help fill approximately 2000 sandbags per hour. Residents and business owners are responsible for filling and transporting their own sandbags, as well as constructing dikes around their properties.

Additional Resources For more information and resources consult the Canadian Red Cross Guide to Flood Recovery. Flood Recovery Updates 2020 Fort Vermilion Flood Updates: Issue 01 – Jul. 03, 2020 Issue 02 – Jul. 10, 2020 Issue 03 – Jul. 17, 2020 Issue 04 – Jul. 24, 2020 Issue 05 – Jul. 31, 2020 Issue 06 – Aug. 21, 2020 Issue 07 – Mar. 01, 2021 Other resources: Telephone Town Hall – Answered Questions Telephone Town Hall – Additional Questions Flood Recovery Open House – Display Boards Fort Vermilion Flood Study Engagement – Government of Alberta

Residents affected by emergencies can access a range of supports, including disaster recovery assistance, food bank services, mental health resources, and emergency preparedness information. The resources below connect individuals and families with organizations and programs that provide support during and after disaster events. For more information, contact Community Services at 780-927-3718. Food Banks La Crete Food Bank The La Crete Food Bank is accessible to anyone within the La Crete area. For more information, contact La Crete Support Services. Call 780-928-3967. Disaster Recovery Assistance Samaritan's Purse Samaritan’s Purse representatives are available to provide Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) assistance and support for disaster-affected individuals, families, and community members. For more information please contact: Mike Voth, Case Manager Email: mvoth@samaritan.ca Phone: 780-880-0097 Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Janet Voth, Case Manager Email: jvoth@samaritan.ca Phone: 780-880-0097 Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mental Health Services Alberta Health Services Alberta Health Services provides mental health and addictions referrals, life skills training, and community wellness programs. For more information on resources please visit the AHS Website at North Services Addiction & Mental Health Services Disaster Response Mental Health Training AHS Psychosocial Disaster Series Alberta Health Services offers a series of five refresher sessions designed for those who have taken Psychological First Aid (PFA). The Psychosocial Disaster Learning Series is publicly available on the Alberta Health Services‘ website, free of charge. Please note that this learning series is intended to be used as a pre-deployment refresher and does not replace PFA training. Sessions include: Chapter 1: Psychosocial Needs During a Disaster Chapter 2: PFA in Disaster Response Chapter 3: The Hour Principles of PFA Chapter 4: Self-Care During a Disaster Chapter 5: Principles in Action