ESTEVAN — Estevan firefighters responded to several calls recently and also participated in training.
On Dec. 7, Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) members were called to what was reported as an outdoor fire occurring by the Estevan city cemetery. It was quickly found that the cemetery staff was thawing out the ground in preparation for a funeral.
"It was viewed from a distance. And we want to thank the caller. They did call just in case there was something that was going on. However, this was a normal operation for this time of year," explained Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.
Fire crews also responded to a commercial fire alarm that went off on Dec. 6. According to the report, the sprinkler head was activated. Once firefighters arrived on the scene, they found that the sprinkler head was broken. Crews and staff on site were able to isolate the line and stop the water. No emergency was occurring, and the scene was turned over to the staff.
In the afternoon of Dec. 8, firefighters responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of King Street and Kensington Avenue. Both vehicles suffered minor damage, and no further help was required from the EFRS, so the scene was turned over to the Estevan Police Service.
On Dec. 7, firefighters also partook in their regular biweekly training, in which they were conducting annual fit testing for self-contained breathing apparatus. Besides, they took time to go down to the Woodlawn Regional Park to install their display for the upcoming Festival of Lights.
"We look forward to seeing all other displays. It's a nice time of the year to go down there and take a look at everybody's Christmas displays to set some Christmas cheer," Feser said.
On Dec. 8, firefighters went through recertification for oxygen administration, AED and CPR.
"This is an annual recertification event that occurs just to keep our skill sets home to make sure that everything's good when it's needed," Feser explained.
On Saturday, Estevan firefighters will be in front of Canadian Tire collecting donations for the Angel Tree from 1-4 p.m.
"We invite everybody to come on down. It's going to be a very busy Saturday as we have the Christmas festivities going down on Fourth Street as well," Feser said.
"We look forward to seeing everybody. Everybody can bring down gifts to stuff the fire trucks. It doesn't have to be from Canadian Tire. It can be from any store or any gift. We gladly accept them so that we can bring them down to the Angel Tree in order to be wrapped for all the young kids come Christmas morning."
