$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one

Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.

Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.

Last week, a fire hall in Pike Lake operated by Delisle Fire and Rescue was broken into. Thieves opened cabinets on a pickup truck and took a variety of tools, but Chief Given’s main concern is the Jaws of Life Combi tool that was taken.

“It's, you know, anywhere from $14,000 to $18,000 just that one tool,” Given said, pointing to other items taken as well.

“Unfortunately, as a volunteer fire department, we don't have the resources to spend, $20,000 or $30,000 on a roof saw. That’s just out of our grasp.”

The Jaws of Life extrication device is meant for cutting through metal and helping dislodge people from crushed vehicles, and without one, Given says the department is vulnerable.

“I don't know what these guys are thinking, because when they need us, they call us to help them,” Given said. “And then they pull a stunt like this, and we can't help them.”

The theft in Delisle is the latest incident, but there have been others in recent weeks.