Fire Departments Hold Events For Fire Prevention Week

From October 5 to 11, Fire Prevention Week was recognized across Canada, and some local fire departments in the County of Vermilion and County of Minburn took the opportunity to educate young children on fire safety through tours and interactive learning experiences.

On October 2, the Minburn County Fire Department’s Innisfree detachment hosted the Innisfree ECS Kindergarten and preschool students for a day of learning and fun. The children were able to explore the fire trucks, learn about water hoses, and discover the important work that firefighters do. According to the school’s Facebook post, “During the day our kids focused on what a fire alarm sounds like in the house, what we do at school if there is a fire and how we can stop, drop, and roll.”

Meanwhile, in the County of Vermilion River, fire departments across the region joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote the 2025 Fire Prevention Week campaign theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home.” This year’s campaign highlighted the importance of buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely—an increasingly relevant topic as these batteries are used in many modern household items such as phones, e-bikes, and power tools.

The Clandonald Fire Department hosted a group from Brighter Beginnings Vermilion and area, who visited the fire hall for an educational and entertaining day. Firefighter Snider and Junior Firefighter Lawrence provided a tour of the station, complete with fire safety presentations, demonstrations, and games designed to teach children how to stay safe in emergency situations. “Thank you to the youth for attending, our volunteer firefighters for the tour, and our community for ensuring that the County remains ‘fire smart,’” the department stated.

In Paradise Valley, the local fire department also participated in the weeklong campaign by hosting an open house on October 6. The event focused on discussing fire safety practices and showcasing some of the equipment used by firefighters to keep the community safe.

Fire Prevention Week serves as an annual reminder of the importance of being prepared and practicing safety at home, at school, and in the community. Through these engaging and educational events, local fire departments continue to play a vital role in promoting awareness and ensuring that even the youngest residents understand the basics of fire prevention.