Fun with firefighters
Family event draws attention to National Fire Prevention Week
Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, October 16, 2014
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department held an evening of firefighter themed fun for youth to recognize National Fire Prevention Week.
J-Morris Isaiah had a bit of difficulty running in the oversized gear
during the dress-up race that was part of the Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department's family event for National Fire Prevention Week. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo
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Breaking with tradition, the department hosted the event on Oct. 8 in the arena instead of at the fire hall.
"It's something a little different," said volunteer Fire Chief Roger Pilling, who added that the larger space provided room for more activities.
Approximately 13 members of the department helped run the activities, many of which had a firefighter theme. The rescue race was Lydia Nelner's favourite.
Youth had a choice between dragging a 60 pound mannequin dressed as a firefighter or an approximately 20 pound hose, shaped to look like a person, to safety. They raced against each other and also against members of the department.
Nelner dragged the hose firefighter. It was sort of heavy, she said. The eight-year-old also enjoyed the tunnel, an activity that taught youth that smoke rises, so they should stay close to the floor when escaping a burning building.
"I liked the bouncy houses and the races," said Ava Erasmus.
Erasmus, 10, tried to drag the heftier mannequin.
"He was really heavy," she said.
Erasmus also enjoyed the cotton candy. To earn community volunteer hours, a group of students from Thomas Simpson School helped set up the equipment in the arena and ran the snack stand where participants could get free cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones.
Other activities in the arena included a colouring station, a play area for children ages four and younger and a dress-up race where youth had to put on a set of firefighter gear, run a few meters and be the first back to the starting point.
On their way out the door after the prize draws, youth and their families were given packages containing, among other things, information about this year's theme in the NWT, which is testing smoke detectors.
People should test their smoke detectors once a month and replace the batteries twice a year when the clocks are changed, said Pilling.
Families should also test their fire preparedness when they test their smoke detectors.
"Hopefully most people have a fire escape plan," he said.
The plans ensure everyone knows what routes to follow when leaving a house depending on where the fire is and where to meet outside.
"It's important to have a meeting place so then we aren't looking for someone if they are unaccounted for," said Pilling.
Participants at the evening event also had a chance to see the department's fire truck and ambulance, which were parked outside. A group of youth had the privilege of riding in the two vehicles and using the microphones to announce the evening while they were driven through the village.
One youth was chosen from each class at Bompas Elementary School through a random draw for participating in the drawing contest. The students were asked to draw a picture related to fire and the creations were on display in the arena.
