Residents can see first hand what can happen when a pot is left unattended on the stove during the 16th annual Fire Prevention Week Open House in Red Deer on Oct. 8.
A kitchen live burn scenario is just one of the events planned for the free open house, which will be held at Fire Station No. 1 at 4941 46th St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other family-friendly activities include tours of the hall, pumper trucks and ambulances, fire extinguisher training, balloon animals, face painting, and a free barbecue with hamburgers, hotdogs and chips.
The event kicks off Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 9 to 15. This year’s theme is protect your family from fire.
There are more than 5,000 fires reported to the Alberta Emergency Management Agency each year. On average, these fires result in 31 deaths, 230 injuries and about $380 million in direct property loss.
Most fire-related injuries or deaths occur in the home. Unattended cooking is the main cause of home fires and fire-related injuries. Careless smoking leads to the highest number of fire fatalities.
The winner of the Fire Chief for the Day contest will also be announced during Fire Prevention Week. Entry forms are available at all the schools in Red Deer and the contest is open to students in Grades 1 to 5.
The entry deadline is Oct. 11 and fire prevention officer Wes Van Bavel said the winner will be announced a day or two later.
— copyright Red Deer Advocate