Prince Albert Grand Council trains 150 new firefighters

The Prince Albert Grand Council is training about 150 firefighters to help battle wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.

The grand council was commissioned by the government of Saskatchewan to train themaslevel three firefighters.

Terry Touet was called out of retirement to teach the five day course in four days.When his students are certified, theywill be trained to dig out ground fires, andsecure the perimeter ofcommunities.

The grand councilhopes to send about 150 firefighters into the field within two weeks.

Rising to the occasion

For some recruits, they feel it's their duty to help fight fires that are closing in on their communities.

That's the case for Lowell Naytowhow. He fought fires about 10 years ago and decided to get recertified.

He sees it as a way to give back. The 46-year-old was convicted of driving under the influence and is currently living in a halfway house. He told CBC News the conviction was a "wake up call" and wants to turn his life around.

"I asked some questions around to see what I can do, what opportunities I can do to help my community," Naytowhow said.

Trevor McLeodis a first time firefighter. He's a member of James Smith Cree Nation east of Prince Albert, but lives in Saskatoon.

He decided to sign up after learning about the need for more boots on the ground fighting fires.

"My chief back home was calling for all the help he could get. I kind of rose to the occasion, came home from Saskatoon just to be here, get the training, and help out as much as I can."