8 and 10-year-old call 911
Photo: Mike Austin

When someone says they’re going to “Fire Practice” it doesn’t mean they’re joining the local Girl Guides or Boy Scouts in learning how to build a fire. In small communities like Valemount and McBride, residents rely on community volunteers to form the local fire department and highway rescue team. At least once a week, the team gathers to practice drills. This is usually followed by a pint or two of beer, once practice is over.