The Millet Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at the Millet Outdoor Rink on April 3 — the second one at that location since last fall.
The fire department responded to the call at 7:59 p.m., said deputy Fire Chief Trevor Palmer.
The small fire was at the base of the light pole next to the entrance to the ice surface of the rink, according to Palmer.
“We put it out with less than an entire fire extinguisher, and it probably had only been burning for less than five minutes when we arrived to put it out,” he said.
“Thankfully it was not able to spread to either the rink’s walls, or the shed. I believe it would be a devastating blow, and catastrophic for the community, to lose the outdoor rink at the hands of someone who is choosing to light fires.”
In a Facebook post, the department stated they were “disappointed that this is now a repeated location for fires.”
On Oct. 3, 2023, the department responded to a structure fire at the rink. Unfortunately, the warming shed was completely engulfed. Although the fire was contained, the shed was a total loss.
It was later rebuilt by a community volunteer.
While Palmer said it’s only speculation, in his estimation, the rink will always be an easy target as a public place with easy access.
“Vandals and mischievous people, of any age, are going to find ways and reasons to do the nefarious things they do,” said Palmer.
“It’s just unfortunate that a beloved community gathering place continues to be the target.”
The fire department encourages anyone with credible information about the latest fire at the rink to contact the Wetaskiwin RCMP.
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