It's been a busy year for the Lacombe Volunteer Fire Department.

They've already exceeded their previous record for number of calls by more than 50, responding to more than 330 calls and the year is not done yet.

Fire Chief Ed van Delden says there's no prominent spike in any one type of call, however in terms of serious fire calls, they actually responded to fewer of those.

“Residents displaced from their home or dwelling unit for more than a period of a month due to fire, substantial damage occurred to the home, it didn’t just burn the stove and maybe a cupboard, so that’s down.  I think we’re at 3 this year from typical 8, 6-8”.

Motor vehicle collision calls however more than doubled within the city from 12 to 26, and numbers were also up slightly in the County from 55-63, there was an increase in agency assists where the fire department helps police and EMS, call numbers nearly doubled from 14 to 26 so far but van Delden doesn't necessarily see those as stand outs, they've just been faced with more calls across the board.

The increased workload can definitely take a toll on some members, but the Fire Chief says everyone has been taking it in stride.

“So some guys like the initial calls first of all, I mean there are some who are keeners and want to go on more yet, and some would like to go on less.  I think in some cases their employers would like them to go on less”.

The Fire Department will be welcoming a new Deputy Fire Chief in the New Year.

The vacancy was created this fall when long time Lacombe Fire Department member and former Deputy Chief, Drayton Bussiere made the move to Lacombe County, as Fire Chief.

Eric Graham will start on the job January 2nd; he’s currently serving on the Fire Department in Creston, BC and brings a young family along with him.

His overall responsibility as Deputy Chief in Lacombe will be the training of all members.