Magrath Fire Deparment serves the town and region

Posted on October 14, 2025 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Magrath Fire Department Chief Cliff Blackwell describes Magrath and District Emergency Services as a volunteer fire department serving the Town of Magrath and surrounding areas. 

“Our members provide fire suppression, rescue, and first response medical services,” said Chief Blackwell. “Beyond emergency response, we also support the community through prevention, education, and participation in local events.”

That education, Chief Blackwell says, includes delivering fire safety presentations during Fire Prevention Week, working with local schools, and sharing seasonal safety reminders through other communication channels. 

“We also encourage residents to prepare family fire escape plans, check smoke alarms, and practice safe heating and cooking habits,” said Chief Blackwell.

In addition to providing educational support, Chief Blackwell says, Magrath and District Emergency Services took part in community parades, Remembrance Day ceremonies, Hometown Christmas events, and fire safety events at local schools over the past year and also continually provide support to other small-town initiatives and charity fundraisers.

“We consistently receive positive feedback, and residents show appreciation at events and through direct thanks to our members,” said Chief Blackwell. “Our visibility at community functions also helps strengthen the bond between the department and the public.”

Community service, Chief Blackwell says, includes responding to calls with the department’s two frontline fire engines, water tender, a MVC rescue unit, two rapid response wildfire units, and a command unit, along with medical and extrication tools. Chief Blackwell says that Magrath and District Emergency Services has also made improvements to their AFFRCS radios with the purchase of 12 new radios and the organization is always reviewing long-term capital needs to keep our firefighters safe and effective.

Chief Blackwell stated over the year, Magrath and District Emergency Services responded to approximately 90 to 100 calls, and the calls included medical first response, structure fires, grass/wildland fires, motor vehicle collisions, and alarm responses.

“The community is very supportive of Magrath and District Emergency Services,” said Chief Blackwell. “I’m very proud of our members and the service they provide. They give countless hours of training and response, and their dedication shows in every call. The community is safer and stronger because of their commitment.”

Town of Magrath Chief Administrative Officer says that Chief Blackwell has given an’ incredible’ 23 years of service to the department, including 14 years as Fire Chief, but ultimately retired on October 1, 2025 to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with his wife.

“The Town of Magrath and Cardston County would like to recognize and thank Fire Chief Cliff Blackwell,” said Suffredine. “His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community have left a lasting impact on Magrath and District Emergency Services and the communities it serves. While we will greatly miss his presence and guidance, we wish him all the best in this meaningful endeavor and look forward to welcoming him back to the community in the future.”