PCES recent calls February 19-21, 2014

• 3 MVCs on Hwy 3
• Minor train fire on Hwy 3
• Minor tractor-trailer fire on Hwy 3
• Treacherous highways
  

3 MVCs on Hwy 3

Pincher Creek Emergency Services went out on three separate motor vehicle collision calls on Wednesday, February 19.

The first incident was at approximately noon of Highway 22 roughly 5 kilometers north of the Oldman River Bridge.  This was first reported to be a two vehicle collision but turned out to be two separate incidents.  there were two overturned vehicles at the location but one vehicle had rolled at an earlier time and had no driver at the scene.  The other was an older van that had recently overturned with two people inside.  They were assessed on scene and had no injuries.  Once the vehicle was righted it was determined that the van was still in drive-able condition and they were released.  The other vehicle was also cleared from the scene.  Pincher Creek Rescue, Pincher Creek Ambulance and Lundbreck Engine responded to the incident.

The second call was at approximately 4:45 pm to a scene on Highway 774 two miles west of Beaver Mines.  Beaver Mines Engine, Pincher Creek Rescue, and Pincher Creek Ambulance were dispatched to the scene.  By the time that they arrived the person in the vehicle had extricated themselves from the ditch.

The third incident of the day was at approximately 9:00 pm on Main Street east of the traffic lights.  A rollover happened close to the bridge over Chipman Creek east of the Co-op Bulk Station.  Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded with and engine, rescue vehicle, and ambulance.One person was transported to hospital.

Minor train fire on Hwy 3

On Friday, February 21 PCES responded to two incidents: A minor train fire and a minor tractor trailer fire.

At approximately 2:00 pm PCES was called to Lundbreck Station, where a locomotive was reported to be on fire.  According to Chief Dave Cox, when PCES arrived on scene there was smoke coming from under the rear portion of the front engine.  The train crew had already put a fire extinguishing powder on what appeared to be an electrical fire.  The fire dealt with in that fashion, PCES remained on scene to monitor it for a little of an hour.  Pincher Creek Fire dealt with the scene.  Cowley fire was originally called for back but was told to stand down.

Minor tractor-trailer fire on Hwy 3

While that scene was ongoing, at approximately 2:45 PCES was called to the scene of a tractor trailer fire on Highway 3 at the enttrance to Lundbreck.  Lundbreck Fire and Cowley Fire responded.  Once on scene they discovered the driver had already extinguished the blaze.  Lundbreck Fire monitored the situation and directed traffic at the scene.  The tractor trailer was gone and the trafffic flow returned to normal by 3:30 pm.

Treacherous highways

White-out conditions were observed through the coulees between Pincher Creek and Cowley during the time of the above incidents, and at the time of writing this Highway 3 in this area is still treacherous.

Highway 507 has some dangerous patches that come up quickly.

Highway 3 from Brocket to Crowsnest Pass is in particularly treacherous condition, with some vehicles observed in the ditches today, ongoing at the time of writing this. Drive with caution, or not at all if you don't have to.