Wildfire evacuees from northern Saskatchewan save local residents from structure fire

It was not a typical patrol for security guards Dwayne Bourassa, Ethan Maurice, Roger McCallum, and Edwin Gunn in North Battleford early Tuesday morning.       

The First Security employees were on duty assisting with overseeing the safety of wildfire evacuees at city hotels overnight. All members of English River First Nation, the four men are among the more-than 500 evacuees who have stayed North Battleford while wildfires forced northern Saskatchewan residents from their respective communities. More than 250 wildfire evacuees remain in the city.            

Earlier this week, the North Battleford Fire Department was called to a structure fire on 99^th Street. Two elderly residents of the home escaped without injury. Further investigation of the incident led to the discovery the fire was accidental in nature – one that could have proved catastrophic, if not for the immediate action of the four security guards.          

“While conducting security checks at the Tropical Inn Hotel, Dwayne, Ethan, Roger, and Edwin observed smoke coming from the 99^th Street area of town. They immediately attended that neighbourhood, discovered the fire, and rendered assistance to evacuate the property’s residents before our Fire Department arrived on scene,” commented Deputy Chief Paul Perry.       

“Without the actions of these selfless people, the outcome of this structure fire would have been much different and had the potential to result in loss of life. The North Battleford Fire Department commends Dwayne, Ethan, Roger, and Edwin for their efforts and wishes to publicly thank them for their heroic actions in our community.”             

-30-

For more information:
Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca