Fire crews are seen performing emergency demonstrations during an free open house event to celebrate the services 125th Anniversary held at Station No. 2.--HANDOUT PHOTO COURTESY DELMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
A busy month for local firefighters in June as they responded to six structure fires and 30 outdoor fires, including a grass fire in Strathcona Park on June 10.
Crews were able to quickly contain the grass fire before it spread further to the surrounding natural area, warning residents that fireworks are prohibited within city limits and reminding park goers to discard cigarette butts properly and not on the ground or in dry grass.
Additionally, local firefighters were called to 25 motor vehicle accidents, responded to 41 medical calls, attended 62 fire alarms and responded to 15 events relating to carbon monoxide or other gases.
On June 21 the service held the first of two open-house events for the community at Fire Station No. 2 as part of its 125th Anniversary celebration.
The open house featured a live equipment and training demonstration, fire safety education including Sparky the Dog, tours of the building and displayed photos and items related to the history of the Medicine Hat Fire Service.
Attendees were also able to meet local firefighters and dispatchers, and a barbecue was held to support the Firefighters Charitable Foundation.
Earlier in June firefighters released a public service announcement and safety campaign warning residents about the fire risks of lithium-ion batteries, which are common in phones, vapes, power tools and scooters, after firefighters responded to two fires in May caused by these batteries.
To prevent sudden explosions or fires, firefighters recommend wrapping batteries with electrical tape on the positive and negative conductors to prevent any contact when placed aside, and never use batteries that are damaged or swelling as it is a sign those batteries are unable to dissipate the heat within the device safely.
Local fire crews were also among several city dignitaries, community members and elders who attended a ceremony to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day and helped paint a symbol and construct a teepee displayed on the lawn at city hall on June 20.
