Despite some miserable weather, many Battlefords residents took in the annual tradition of a trip to the fire hall to enjoy beef on a bun.
The annual event was held Wednesday to benefit the Saskatchewan Burn Fund as part of Fire Prevention Week activities in the Battlefords.
According to Rob Campbell, a captain with North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services who chairs the Burn Fund in the Battlefords, the event was a chance "to get all the guys together and meet the public, and raise money for the Saskatchewan Firefighters Burn Fund."
The Burn Fund was established in 1974 and has raised over $6 million to date in the province. The money goes to burn care treatment and education for doctors and nurses.
Campbell said their event could raise up to $2,000 in good years, but expected about half that this year, with the inclement weather hampering the turnout.
Still, that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of those who attended, including kids who were fascinated by the fire engines on display. Some went inside and to explore.
Members of the department, including Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac, were on hand to show off the equipment as well as provide information and pamphlets about fire safety and prevention.
It was one of a number of activities that were part of Fire Prevention Week in the Battlefords over the week. The fire safety message this year is "Have 2 Ways Out."
"You obviously like to see that, a door and a window," said Campbell. The reason to have two ways out of a room is in case one exit is blocked.
The string of events started last Saturday with a booth outside Sobeys to promote Home Fire Safety. Another one was planned for this Saturday at Territorial Place Mall.
As well, elementary school kids from the area got a chance to be Fire Chief for the Day at the fire hall Friday, where they received a tour of the facilities and wore firefighter clothing, as well as operated some of the equipment. Campbell noted the importance of educating kids about fires while they are young.
"Any education is good education, but we find when they're young that's the best time to drill them and hopefully prevent fires," said Campbell, who adds that the fire safety activities "puts a smile on their face."
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