Officials say “nothing is changing” as the Lloydminster Fire Department (LFD) deploys a new response model.
As of July 1, the LFD has fully staffed the D.E. Gustavson Fire Station No. 2 on 59 Ave. on a full-time model to keep up with rising call volumes and improve city-wide response times.
The city says the move supports “ongoing improvements” and better service for fire and rescue calls. This includes all “residential and commercial areas” along key routes, including 44 St.
Department officials confirmed response times ahead of the change were within industry standards. However, with a manned station nearer the west end, response times should be the same, or faster, for some incidents.
“By staffing Station 2, the department is taking a proactive approach to meet the community’s ongoing fire and rescue needs,” said a City of Lloydminster spokesperson.
Station 2 will operate with two full-time firefighters and two paid-on-call firefighters per 24-hour shift, just like Station 1. A chief officer will remain on call at all times.
Call response and budget
Both stations will respond based on call type, with specific incidents needing one truck and others “prompting a multi-unit response.”
The operating costs for the LFD has increased by nearly $1 million since 2023. The budget increased from about $4.93 million to an expected $5.92 million in 2025. The operating budget does not include salaries, which topped $5.23 million last year.
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The approved 2025 budget covers all the expected costs of this change, according to officials.
The LFD says call volumes have “steadily increased” since 2019.
The current gear and trucks are sufficient for expanding the service. Each station will operate a fully-equipped engine or pumper and paid-on-call firefighters will continue to assist on upgraded calls.
“The frontline apparatus is fully capable and equipped to handle most calls, including motor vehicle extrication and other rescue-type calls,” said the department.
While staying within the budget, they’ve managed to proactively run a more efficient department. Showing their ability to adapt to an ever-evolving role within our communities’ protective services.
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