ASSINIBOIA — All was quiet for Assiniboia Fire Department as Chief Terry Lacelle reports only one call in December for a structure fire and two false alarms received in January.
The AFD team’s December training sessions focused on hand-operated tools and an equipment refresher, both being tabletop scenarios.
“We also participated in the annual Christmas light parade,” added Chief Lacelle.
“There were also education sessions on firefighter decontamination after fighting fires, along with a discussion on the new WCB coverage for firefighter cancers and better ways to prevent contaminants from entering our bodies. Cancer is the leading cause of serious injury and death among firefighters and due to the hazards associated with fire scenes firefighters have a considerably higher chance of developing certain cancers,”
Fire training in January included discussions on the new year and safe work practices as well as annual fire inspections at Assiniboia Union Hospital and Ross-Payant Nursing Home.
“We will be having the Firefighters Ball on March 29, 2025, for the first time since COVID. This is an evening of live music from the band Rock Candy with a sit-down supper and silent auction items,” affirms Assiniboia’s fire chief.
The ball is a recognition event for the firefighters and those who support them. The event will include a running slide show, a presentation on what the AFD team does in the community, an introduction of the firefighters along with awards presentations.
Tickets for this event are available at the town office, Chuck’s Collision, the Co-op Ag Centre or any member of the fire department.
The fire chief passes along their safety topic for January, in regards to use of space heaters.
“Be cautious of space heaters. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters should be placed a minimum of three feet away from anything flammable, such as upholstered furniture, tapestries, mattresses or bedding, and must be turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep. In addition, never store clothing on or around the unit, and never cover the cord or put anything on top of it.”
Space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never a power bar. Be sure to include a three-foot-kid-free zone around any space heaters being used.
