Saskatoon’s Fire Chief is confident in the ability of emergency personnel from the area to respond to major accidents.

Morgan Hackl says in reflecting on the anniversary of last year’s train derailment north of the city, the response was executed as planned.

Hackl credits the department’s Emergency Management team for coordinating the efforts of 28 different agencies including Saskatoon’s 50 fire fighters utilizing 18 pieces of equipment.

They directed the effort by managing the massive communications job from a radio equipped command vehicle to the point where responders from the different organizations were able to relay information face-to-face.

The 52 car freight train derailed at the junction of highway 11 and Wanuskewin Road on January 22nd of last year at about 9:30 a.m. with diesel igniting throughout the twisted metal of 30 cars.

Crews were able to put out the fires and clear enough of the debris to open one lane to southbound traffic by that evening.

Hackl says continuing to build relationships with neighbouring fire departments as well as the railways and provincial officials is the key to preparing for similar incidents in the future.