By Kevin J. Sabo For the Advance
The first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week in Canada.
This year Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4th to Oct. 10th. The week is used as a reminder for members of households what steps they can take to try and prevent a fire from happening.
Most people know by now that most fires in the home happen in the kitchen, and there are a few steps anyone can take to reduce the risk of fire.
First, use appropriate appliances for appropriate applications. Second, when preparing a meal, never leave it unattended while you’re cooking. Finally, as a precaution have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of fire.
In addition to a fire extinguisher, one should have at least a smoke detector on every floor of your home, if not more, and they should be checked regularly to ensure their functionality.
The fire department also recommends that families have evacuation plans that everyone is aware of, and in the case of fire to get out of the home and stay out until cleared by the Fire Department.
In Castor, firefighting services are provided by the volunteer members of Castor Fire Rescue, an 18-member department that trains two Tuesdays a month.
Under the leadership of Fire Chief Patrick Kelly, the members of the department train hard and are on call 24-hours a day, ready to respond if the unthinkable should happen.
In the first three quarters of 2020 the department has responded to 30 calls ranging from motor vehicle collisions to structure fires around the region.
In total, those 30 calls account for 453 man-hours spent responding, in addition to 202 additional man-hours spent in training.
Castor Volunteer Fire Rescue currently has a full roster, however for any information about fire safety or to inquire about joining the department, contact Chief Kelly.