The Estevan Fire Rescue Service gave the public a better look at its inner workings on Oct. 9 during an open house as part of Fire Prevention Week.
People dropped by the fire hall throughout the evening for tours of the building, a fundraising barbecue and a firefighter’s challenge obstacle course.
Adverse weather conditions, including some snow earlier in the day and some strong winds, deterred some people from attending, but Fire Chief Dale Feser estimates that at least 100 people were present.
“It’s something that we definitely think we’re going to be doing more of, probably in warmer climates in the spring or summer months,” said Feser.
He believes everyone in attendance had a good time and enjoyed the activities that were offered, especially the obstacle course.
“It gives the kids the opportunity to do what we do, and again the same thing with the adults and the older kids as well,” said Feser.
Separate obstacle courses were designed for younger children, as well as older kids and adults. They navigate a slalom through pylons, dragged hose dummies, climbed stairs and raised a hose roll to the top, and sprayed water from a fire hose in an attempt to knock a ball from a pylon.
“It wraps your head around some of the physical capabilities that are required to become a firefighter and protect the community,” said Feser.
The front foyer of the fire hall was open for people to tour, and the antiquities, such as Estevan’s oldest fire truck, drew a lot of interest. Old photos were on display in the board room.
“They were taking a lot of strolls down memory lane, and it was great for some of our more experienced firefighters to take a look and reminisce on the old days as well.”
It was also an opportunity to show off the equipment the fire department uses to protect the people of the Estevan area.
Feser expects that many of the people who attended the open house were in the fire hall for the first time since the EFRS moved in there in November 2017, while others have been in there on several occasions.
“They’re quite amazed at how every square inch is pretty much utilized here at the fire station. A lot of people don’t understand how much space is required to house the apparatus.”
People enjoyed the food served at the barbecue, Feser said. Admission was by donation to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and a firefighter’s boot was set up at the entrance where people could make their donation.
A vehicle extracation demonstration was scheduled for that night, but it had to be cancelled due to the cool temperatures. Feser hopes it can happen another evening.
