Seven calls for service along with training and community outreach kept members of the Flin Flon Fire Dept. busy in October. That’s according to Fire Chief Chad Cooper’s latest monthly report.
Monday, Oct. 3, 2:33 pm: A page was received for a fire alarm sounding at a Flintoba Shopping Centre business. The fire chief and Engine 2 responded. After an investigation, it was determined the alarm was tripped by low water pressure. Fire alarm was reset to normal condition.
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 5:12 pm: A page was received regarding a motor vehicle collison on South Hudson Street. The duty officer and Engine 2 responded and found a single car had collided with a hydro pole. No extrication was required. Manitoba Hydro was called to secure the pole. Crews stayed on scene for traffic control until MEA and Manitoba Hydro attended the scene.
Monday, Oct. 10, 2:25 am: A page was received for a fire alarm sounding at a Flintoba Shopping Centre business. The duty officer and Engine 2 responded. After an investigation, it was determined the alarm was tripped due to the power outage and low water main pressure. System was reset when power was restored.
Thursday, Oct. 27, 4:21 pm: A page was received and a member of the community alerted the fire chief of a fire at the Royal Canadian Legion. The fire chief and engines 1 and 2 responded. Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from a ceiling-mounted electrical heater located in the lobby. Crews quickly attacked the fire and the heater was cooled. Crews checked for fire extension in the lobby ceiling, but due to the quick response and discovery, the fire was confined to the heating unit. Crews then ventilated the remaining smoke on the first floor. After an investigation by the fire chief, the fire was determined to be caused by a short circuit.
Friday, Oct. 28, 1:19 pm: A page was received regarding a smoke alarm ringing and smoke inside a residence on Van Street in Channing. The fire chief and engines 1 and 2 responded. Crews entered the residence and found the cause of the smoke to be coming from a closed flute and open door on a wood stove. The residence was ventilated and released to the homeowner.
Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:03 am: A page was received for a fire alarm sounding at a Flintoba Shopping Centre business. The fire chief and Engine 2 responded. After an investigation, it was determined the alarm was activated by a young child pulling the pull-station. The system was reset by fire crews.
Monday, Oct. 31, 4:20 pm: A page was received for a residential fire alarm sounding on North Avenue. The duty officer and Engine 2 responded. After an investigation, it was determined smoke from cooking activated the alarm. Crews verified the alarm was reset.
October’s fire damage losses were estimated at $5,000.
In other events in October:
• In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, members of the department visited Ecole Mclsaac School and Ruth Betts Community School. Students took 15-minute tours through the Office of the Fire Commissioner fire safety trailer. They also learned about essential fire safety. Feedback from the schools was positive.
• On Oct. 15, the department held an open house. Firefighters conducted station and fire truck tours and demonstrations in the Office of the Fire Commissioner fire safety trailer. Fire-safety prizes were given out and snacks and beverages were provided, courtesy of local businesses.
• October marked the first year of the SAFE campaign to provide a smoke alarms to families in need. The Office of the Fire Commissioner provided the department with 100 smoke alarms, which were distributed to local residents in need. Fire Chief Chad Cooper called the campaign successful for raising awareness and making homes safer.
• Several training initiatives took place, including Cooper’s completion of a course on fire causes and origins. Training for firefighters covered topics such as modern fire attack principles, forcible entry tools and tactics, and ventilation. Cooper also put in an application for funding to purchase a 40-foot shipping container to be used for life fire training. This prop would help the department work toward its goal of ensuring all members meet Firefighter 1 certification.
