Tugaske Fire Department picking up the pieces after devastating fire

A fire destroyed the Tugaske Fire Department building, including two essential fire trucks, as crews were unable to stop the blaze. Mick Favel reports.

The Tugaske Volunteer Fire Department is recovering after a blaze destroyed their shop, along with their emergency vehicles and equipment.

Daniel Wilson is the fire chief of the Tugaske Fire Department. He said he was first on the scene minutes after the fire was reported.

“Walls were cracking. The smoke was coming out of the roof. By that point, entry was not an option. We just got to watch all our stuff burn,” he said.

The Eyebrow Fire Department, located the next town over, was called to the fire. They arrived 18 minutes later and were able to save a small building next to the blaze.

The Tugaske Fire Department spent years building their emergency unit.

In the fire, they lost enough equipment to suit up 15 firefighters, as well as an emergency vehicle which could hold 1,000 gallons of water. A smaller response vehicle was also lost in the blaze.

“That was our main firefighting unit. We were quick to get there with it. That was the heart and soul of this fire department,” Wilson said.

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Despite the devastating fire, the department is still available in case of an emergency.

The Eyebrow Fire Department has lent two emergency vehicles to the Tugaske Fire Department while their recovery process continues.

“The investigators are out. Hopefully, we get answers soon. What caused it or not,” Wilson said.

The Tugaske Fire Department covers their village and beyond its borders.

There are plans to return to capacity as soon as possible.

“It’s a very unfortunate event. I won’t call it tragic because nobody was hurt. Things are replaceable. It takes time,” Wilson said.