KAMSACK, Sask. — Fire Prevention Week in Canada for 2026 was observed from Oct. 4 to 10, with the national theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” focusing on lithium‑ion battery safety.
At Kamsack, Ken Thompson, fire chief, who celebrated his 35th year as a firefighter in the community, echoed this year’s theme by urging area residents to be careful when charging their lithium batteries.
Speaking to the Kamsack Times during an interview in the James Rudd Memorial Fire Hall, Thompson said that many of today’s electronic devices contain lithium batteries, including phones, computers, electronic bikes, scooters and power tools and people need to be careful, especially when re-charging them.
In 2026, the focus is on preventing fires caused by improper charging and handling of lithium‑ion batteries, he said. Incidents linked to battery misuse are rising.
The National Fire Protection Association urges persons to: use manufacturer‑approved chargers; charge on hard, flat surfaces; unplug devices when fully charged; charge large devices (e‑bikes, scooters, tools) outdoors when possible, and stop using devices that feel hot, smell strange, or show swelling or smoke.
“Be Fire Safe,” was the theme of this year’s annual pancake breakfast served on Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 12) at the Kamsack Firehall from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thompson said.
The event included an open house, so visitors are encouraged to tour the firehall and, as in the past, a firetruck will be located outside and available if children or others may wish to have a ride around the block in the vehicle.
Currently the brigade includes 18 firefighters, plus the fire chief. Jordan Guenther is the deputy chief, while Josh Grimson and Mike Fernuik are the brigade’s lieutenants.
“We have room for 24 firefighters, so we could use another six,” he said, encouraging persons interested to come to the firehall during a Monday evening practice session. Practices are held every second Monday and if a person is interested in joining, he or she will be able to see what happens, talk to others and even try on turn-out gear.
On Aug. 26, during the RM of Cote barbecue at Runnymede, Thompson accepted a donation of $6,000 from the RM which allowed the brigade to purchase another firefighter’s turn-out gear.
“We like to purchase about two such suits a year because their life expectancy is only 10 years,” he said.
“Being a firefighter is hard work and is dangerous, but it is fun,” he said. “It is like a family with big gatherings.”
At Kamsack, members of the fire department are paid on a on-call basis and Thompson said that a firefighter could earn between $500 and a couple thousand dollars per month, depending on practices and fire calls.
He estimated that since Fire Prevention Week last year, the brigade was called to and responded to calls 85 times.
The brigade is endeavouring to be more community-minded, he said, mentioning some of the initiatives put forward by a few of the younger firefighters.
On Sept. 18, about eight firefighters participated in a soccer game at the Victoria School grounds where, in full turn-out gear, they battled a group of Stephen Ruten’s young soccer players.
“We lost 9 to 4,” he said.
As a first-time event, firefighters, some dressed in costume, will be at the fire hall on Oct. 31 when they will be handing out treats to youngsters seeking Halloween goodies between 4 p.m. and about 6:30 p.m.
Firefighters assisted Kelsey Rauckman, manager of Kamsack’s public works department, operate the fireworks display held at Kamsack during the Labour Day weekend, which was the same weekend that the department held a fundraising barbecue.
Firefighters are planning to undertake a toy drive prior to Christmas, Thompson said.
On Aug. 24, a dozen members of the brigade participated in a water rescue practice on the Assiniboine River near Riverside Golf Course, where members used the brigade’s rescue boat and suits.
On Oct. 23 and 24, the brigade will be involved in an open swift water rescue course being held at Madge Lake, he said. It is possible members of other departments may be invited to participate as well. Instruction will be by a training company from Warman.
Members of the Saskatchewan Public Service Agency will be providing instruction for a wildland fire course on Dec. 4 and 5, he said. This course will deal with grass fires and other wildfire events.
On Dec. 1, the department will again be placing the large wreath on the front of the James Rudd Memorial Fire Hall on Nykolaishen Drive, he said. The wreath contains lighted red bulbs and will be on the hall until the first of January. If the brigade is called to a house fire during December, a red bulb will be replaced by a white bulb.
The point is to “keep the wreath red,” Thompson explained, adding that last year all the bulbs stayed red.
Asked if during the past year the brigade had been called to any major fire events like the Woodland Hotel fire in Kamsack a few years ago, Thompson said they didn’t, but one call gave him particular concern and might have been drastic.
“We received a call near the end of June to go to a large pig barn southwest of Pelly,” he said. “We took all the vehicles and were prepared for the worst, but fortunately the incident only involved minor electrical issues.”
Thompson said the brigade is always ready to accommodate persons, including schoolteachers, wishing to help educate residents on fire prevention. One need only contact the department to make arrangements.
“Be careful when cooking,” he said, as he was reminded of a recent incident in which a person used water on a grease fire, which resulted in damaged kitchen ceiling tiles. “Never apply water on a grease fire.
“Be safe. Practice fire safety,”
