The Estevan Fire Rescue Service had an active start to the month.
On Feb. 1, at about 11 a.m., the crews were alerted to the report of a commercial fire alarm occurring in the central area of Estevan. Once on scene, firefighters didn't find any signs of smoke or flame. Nothing was found upon entry as well.
There was no physical cause for the alarm, but a faulty signal was sent through the message alert panel. The scene was turned back over to the building manager and maintenance staff, and crews stood down and returned to the station.
The next call came in at about 6:30 p.m., when fire crews responded to a chimney fire occurring in the northcentral part of Estevan. Once on scene, firefighters confirmed that there was a fire in the chimney that just extinguished upon their arrival.
"Crews did ladder the building and used thermal imaging cameras to make sure that it didn't start any of the roof structure on fire," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.
The crews spent some time extinguishing the remaining hotspots. There was no damage to the building.
"This was a result of creosote and sweep build-up that was in the vent in the chimney stack for the wood-burning stove.
"A gentle reminder out to everybody that it's always a great idea to make sure that you are getting these things cleaned out. There is what's called a chimney sweep log that you can burn in these appliances that will help clean a lot of this creosote and sweep build-up," Feser said.
Estevan firefighters also participated in a couple of other activities early this week.
On Feb. 2, members were out promoting the Burgers for a Cause fundraiser at Black Beard's restaurant, in which $5 from every burger sold that day went to the Estevan Firefighters Association.
"Very much appreciative of all the support that the community has shown. There was a little over $1,000 that was raised for the Firefighters Association. This money is used to purchase smoke alarms for the public education campaign through Fire Prevention Week when we do the door-to-door smoke alarm campaign. It's also used to purchase some other equipment that's outside the budgetary allowances given by the city," Feser said.
Later that evening Estevan Fire Rescue Service members also partook in a regular training night, which saw a guest instructor coming in for some recertification.
"That way all our skill sets are kept sharp and we are maintaining our certification levels."
