Ranchers pleased after meeting with base
Attendees felt CFB Suffield handled itself well after a military operation sparked a grassfire that left 160 cattle dead
Those affected by the Bindloss fire met with representatives from CFB Suffield on Thursday and are calling it a positive experience.
“It was a constructive meeting, very good. The people from the base were very professional in what they did, and sincere,” said Jim Hern who with his wife Carol are ranchers in the area.
Jim helped to fight the fire on Sept. 11 that engulfed 220 square kilometres on the base, plus another 58 square kilometres beyond. It began after a military operation to dispose of an undetonated explosive from a military exercise, and then got out of hand in dry conditions.
About 160 head of cattle were lost in the fire, representing a told financial loss of about $300,000. Roughly 16,000 acres of winter grazing was lost, countless bales of hay, and the home of an 89-year-old rancher was completely destroyed.
“The town hall meeting in Bindloss on Thursday gave the Command Team an opportunity to meet face-to-face with those affected by the fire, hear the concerns of the community and pass on the information we know at this time,” said Natalie Finnemore, CFB Suffield public affairs officer.
The sequence of events that resulted in the fire spreading beyond the boundaries of CFB Suffield were acknowledged, and officials admitted the fire came from the base, said Jim.
The process of investigation about the events will have numerous channels to go through, they were told, but the Herns felt they were heard at the meeting.
“There was some emotion there and their feelings came out. It was a really constructive meeting and we are going to hold them to what they said,” said Jim.
The base commander spoke to the group primarily to alleviate concerns, said Earl Morris, a Medicine Hat resident who attended.
“There will be a Board of Inquiry and several investigative teams involved,” said Morris. “Instructions were handed out to all those who have or might have a claim for compensation.”
CFB Suffield is focused on rebuilding the relationships with its neighbours and contributing to the investigations into this incident, said Finnemore.
Those affected want to see a new protocol in place to avoid any repeat of the tragedy, said Jim. There was a sense the base has realized there is room for improvement in this respect.
“They are really trying and I really respect the guys that came out ... They were all sincere and meant what they said, I hope,” said Jim. “If half of what they said is true that will be really great for us.”
Jim wants to see changes in the relationship with the base and the firefighting protocol for future.
“The base commits to remaining open and transparent through continued communication with our neighbours,” said Finnemore. “We want to continue meeting with those affected to hear their concerns and address them.”