Fire Prevention Week is coming up and the Parksville Fire Department invites the public to learn about fire prevention and have some fun at its open house on Oct. 3.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the training centre at 1159 Franklin’s Gull Road in the Industrial Park. Demonstrations will include auto extrication, high angle rope, motor vehicle fire and side-by-side burn.
The side-by-side burn demonstration will feature two similarly furnished rooms: one protected with fire sprinklers and the other without fire sprinklers. People who attend the demonstration will be able to view firsthand how quickly a fire can become deadly versus the quick response and effectiveness of a fire sprinkler system in controlling or extinguishing a fire, according to a media release from the department.
Other activities for the day include educational displays, hose and target practice, home sprinkler display, rides in a fire truck and fire prevention materials to share.
“Members will answer questions about recruitment and fire safety and our most popular mascots will look to share an elbow or fist bump with everyone,” reads the release.
The theme for this year’s fire prevention week is “Learn the Sounds of Safety,” which puts the focus on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, their necessity and how the sounds they make help save lives.
“Understanding the different sounds alarms make and knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. Parksville Fire would like families to focus on fire prevention by planning and integrating a few simple fire safety behaviours into everyday lives. By paying attention and eliminating potential fire hazards in your home, you can make a difference that will prevent or reduce fire-related injuries, deaths and property damage,” the release continues.
The demonstration will take place outside, so residents are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a camera.
Full demonstration schedule:
11 a.m. — Auto extrication
1 p.m. — High angle rope
2 p.m. — Motor vehicle fire
3 p.m. — Side-by-side burn
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 3–9.
The department said it is gearing up for 2022 recruitment and is seeking enthusiastic men and women to become volunteer firefighters. For information, stop by the department, call 250-248-3242 or visit its website.
