Steinbach firefighters welcomes community to annual open house

Steinbach Fire Department held its annual open house on Oct. 6 at the fire hall on Main Street where visitors explored fire trucks, met firefighters and learned about lithium-ion battery safety.

Fire Chief Kelvin Toews said the department generally holds the event on the first Tuesday of October, close to Fire Prevention Week. He said the tradition has continued throughout his 35 years with the department.

“We encourage people to come and get in the trucks, sit in the trucks, ask as many questions as you like,” Toews said.

The department also played short videos in its classroom about this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, Charge into Fire Safety, which focused on using lithium-ion batteries safely at home.

Toews encouraged people to use charging equipment designed for their devices and replace damaged batteries.

Toews said hot dogs and drinks were sold for $5, with proceeds supporting the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa.

Cameron Brindle, a Steinbach mechanic who attended with Malcolm, a child he described as a family friend, said the visit was a highlight.

“It’s been awesome to see Malcolm, little dude here, have a smile on his face,” Brindle said.

He said Malcolm particularly enjoyed the trucks and asking firefighters questions.

Toews said favourable weather helped bring people out to the event, which also offered an opportunity to interest children in firefighting.

“Right, it really is an educational event and planting the seeds maybe for future firefighters,” he said.