Lloydminster Fire Rescue welcomed residents behind the scenes during its annual Fire Prevention Week open house on Oct. 8.
Read more: Fire department rebrands, announces open house
Chief Bill Heesing said the event provides families with an opportunity to learn more about home safety and the work of firefighters.
“We enjoy interacting with the community,” said Heesing. “It’s a chance for the community to come behind the scenes, see what the fire department’s about and take part in some of our displays.”
Visitors had the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, including a fire extinguisher demonstration and a water-spray simulation designed for children. Crews also performed a vehicle extrication demonstration to showcase their expanded rescue capabilities.
In addition to demonstrations and community engagement, the event highlighted the organization’s new name, Lloydminster Fire Rescue.
“We want to emphasize we’re more than just a fire department,” said Heesing. “We provide motor vehicle response and water and ice rescue within the city boundaries, so the ‘rescue’ portion of our name highlights that.”
Battery safety
Heesing said this year’s open house also focused on lithium battery awareness, a growing safety issue as the technology becomes more common.
“Everybody uses them, from cell phones, to cameras, to even your lawnmowers and your saws now,” he said. “If you’re doing anything where you’re charging your iPads, your phones, keep it on your table, keep it on your dining room table or coffee tables. Don’t hide it in your blankets or under your pillow. The batteries are known to heat up and will explode if they overheat. That’s when fires can start if it’s buried in something combustible such as a blanket or pillow.”
He also reminded residents to call 911 immediately if an emergency occurs, even if they’re unsure of the severity.
“Even if it’s a false alarm, let us come and check it out,” he said. “It’s for your safety and your family’s safety.”
Read more: Fire extinguished at unhoused encampment
