A day in the life
Firefighters give public a look inside their work; deliver important safety messages
Pictou County’s firefighters united to raise awareness with the public about what they do, kicking off Fire Prevention Week in the province.
“We are doing a show and shine here and a parade to start it off and then all individual departments will have an open house sometime through the week,” said Trenton Fire Chief Wayne Alain who is also chair of the Pictou County Firefighters Association.
Fire departments will also be attending local church services together and responding to fire drills at Pictou County schools.
It’s all about awareness, he said, but it is also an opportunity for people interested in volunteering to come and learn more about what is involved in firefighting.
“Our (Trenton) membership is not bad, but some departments are struggling with numbers,” Alain said. “If anyone is interested, contact a department.”
This year, Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 7 to 13 across the province and Nova Scotians are reminded of essential steps around how to escape safely in the event of a fire.
This year’s theme is: Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire can happen anywhere.
“Every year in Nova Scotia, there are a number of house fires caused by heating equipment,” said Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “It is important to have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified person.”