New mutual aid agreement strengthens protection for Horse Lake First Nation

Horse Lake First Nation has signed an expanded mutual aid agreement with the County of Grande Prairie that will allow the closest county-owned or contracted fire department (Hythe, Beaverlodge or LacGlace) to respond immediately when it becomes aware of an emergency. For the past 23 years, the county has had a mutual aid agreement with Horse Lake First Nation that offered firefighting support, equipment and the necessary resources, but could only respond after receiving a request and permission. “This (new) agreement gives us a sense of security,” said HLFN Chief Eugene Horseman. “It also speaks to the trust and respect both our communities have built up over the years.”