KAMSACK — In the 12 months since Fire Prevention Week was observed in 2024, the Kamsack fire brigade responded to more than 100 calls, said Ken Thompson, fire chief.
Included in the calls were structure fires, grass fires, alarm calls, medical assist calls, vehicle fires and some minor accidents which “thankfully” didn’t require the use of the new vehicle extrication equipment.
The brigade currently has 17 members, Thompson said prior to this year’s Fire Prevention Week being held Oct. 5 to 11.
Three members of the brigade are Level 2 firefighters: himself, Jordan Guenther, the deputy chief, and Dillan Chernoff. Four members obtained their Level 1 certification in November: Michael Fernuik, Jared Whims, Joshua Torgrimson and Cameron Rozema. They will be working towards their Level 2 certification during the year.
The other members of the brigade are working towards their Level 1 certification. They are: Mike Covic, Cole Fountain, Austin Guenther, Maksym Kuzminchuk, Andre Lamoureaux, Kristy Laurie, Gian Liobing, Pam Rose, Michaela Schneider and Whyatt Schneider.
Certification includes an examination of 100 questions as well as an evaluation, Thompson said. “We plan to have all members certified by the fall of 2026.
The brigade would have a full complement at 24 firefighters, he said, urging persons interested in becoming a firefighter to contact him either at the Town Hall or the Fire Hall.
Starting Nov. 1, the Kamsack firefighters will be selling raffle tickets for a top-of-the-line natural gas barbecue sponsored by SaskEnergy, he said. The prize will include a meat package and possibly a beverage package.
Plans are to have tickets sold at a couple Kamsack businesses and it is expected the barbecue equipment will also be on display in the community until the draw, which will be made on Dec. 17.
Thompson urges persons wishing information regarding fire safety or smoke detection to contact him. He said that this year’s Fire Prevention Week has as its theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The campaign focuses on educating the public on how to safely buy, charge, and recycle these common batteries to prevent fires. The campaign highlights the dangers and proper usage of lithium-ion batteries found in many electronic devices and it promotes safe practices for handling these batteries, covering the entire lifecycle from purchasing to disposal. The goal is to raise awareness and educate the public on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and how to mitigate them.
These batteries are used in such devices as scooters, mopeds and medi-chairs and could be dangerous if not handled properly, he said.
Each Monday members of the department are involved in some training exercise, Thompson said.
During the year, members of the brigade, upon invitation, conducted fire drills at Assiniboine Manor and Davies Tower, he said.
Some school classes have visited the fire hall and persons interested in having a drill or a visit to the fire hall may contact him Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays at the Town Hall.
From Dec. 1 to Jan. 2, a large wreath decorated with glowing red bulbs will be placed outside the fire hall. If the brigade is called to a major fire during that time, a red bulb is changed to white as a reminder to be aware of the hazards of fire during the Christmas period.
Last year all the bulbs remained red, he said. In the six years of the program, only four bulbs had to be changed.
2025 brings more training to stay prepared
In January, the brigade held an ice rescue refresher course as well as SCBA training for new members.
An SCBA, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, is a portable device that provides an autonomous supply of breathable air from a compressed air cylinder, allowing individuals to work in hazardous environments with toxic gases, oxygen deficiencies, smoke, or dust. It consists of a face mask, a harness, an air cylinder, a regulator, and safety alarms, and it is commonly used by firefighters, industrial workers, and emergency responders.
Jaws of Life recertification training takes place
In March, there was Jaws of Life recertification training, and Thompson said he expects to have another such training session this November.
In June, the brigade provided information during an RCMP rollover demonstration at the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute and members sold breakfast June 21 during the Spring into Summer carnival.
On July 1, members of the fire department looked after the town’s fireworks display, and later in the month, members completed a grain rescue course by simulating a situation in which a person was trapped in a bin of grain and special equipment was used to rescue him.
Natural gas safety was reviewed with SaskEnergy employees in July.
"There are always things on the wish list"
In August, firefighters met with employees of CN Rail to discuss railway emergencies, including derailments.
This being the harvest season, Thompson urges residents to be more aware of the hazards of fire and have a fire extinguisher or supply of water nearby.
Be safe with machinery and with grain handling, he said. “When burning stubble, make sure you have a fire guard so the flames do not spread and when burning, phone the Burn Control Line.
In Saskatchewan, one must call 1-866-404-4911 to report activity before conducting a controlled burn, and then call again when done.
Asked what equipment might be on the fire department’s wish list, Thompson said that “there are always things on the wish list.”
Another tanker-pumper and more rescue equipment like hazmat suits could be used, he said. A hazmat suit is a piece of personal protective equipment that consists of an impermeable whole-body or one piece garment worn as protection against hazardous materials. Such suits are often combined with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to ensure a supply of breathable air.
“There’s always something we need,” he said, advancing a reminder that the department always accepts donations.
Plans are for more training for firefighters wanting their Level 1 certification this fall, he said. It is possible that members will be training with members of the Rhein fire department.
