ASSINIBOIA — For the first time since COVID-19 hit the world, Assiniboia Fire and Rescue hosted their Firefighters’ Ball. Held March 29, the event included a banquet, silent auction, live music and recognition of the firefighters and those who support them.
Fire Chief, Terry Lacelle says their team responded to four calls in March which included one motor vehicle collision, one false alarm, one service assist to SaskEnergy for carbon monoxide ventilation along with one service assist with the RCMP.
“Fire training in March focused on search and rescue in smoke-out environments and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) operations and refresher,” adds Assiniboia’s fire chief.
Your local fire team issues the following spring tips to help protect you and your family. Now that spring is here, homeowners everywhere will want to spend more time outdoors. Fire safety applies to everything fire-related, both indoors and outdoors. Incorporate these fire safety tips into your spring-cleaning routine.
• Test your smoke alarms. Your smoke alarms need to be checked at least once a month. You just need to hold the test button and wait for the siren to sound. If the siren is weak, you should replace the batteries. Try lithium or long-life batteries to reduce how often you need to change them. Talk with your family about your fire escape plan when you do this. Practice the plan to make sure everyone knows what to do if a fire happens.
• Clean dryer vents. If you run a lot of laundry, your dryer vents must be cleaned out at least once a year, ideally every six months. It is best to hire a professional to clean it out to ensure it’s done correctly. You should also check that the air exhaust vent pipe is not blocked, and the flap opens when the dryer runs. Keep any flammable materials, such as boxes or cleaning supplies, away from the dryer.
• Maintain your yard. Dried leaves can be especially flammable and should be removed from near your household structures, garages, and sheds. Debris is one of the top causes of home fires, but you can reduce the risk with simple yard maintenance. Pay special attention to twigs, branches, and dead plant life that can easily catch fire when dried. Make sure the gutters are clean and that dead leaves or pine needles are eliminated from the roof.
• Clean your grill. While your grill sits over winter, grease and buildup can harden, making it easy for a fire to start. Before hosting your first springtime barbecue, ensure your grill is working correctly. Inspect it and check for grease or fat buildup, spider webs, and other dirt or debris. If you utilize a gas grill, ensure the propane tank hose has no leaks
