Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser is addressing the public, following a social media post that caused a strong reaction in the community.
The post came from a few weeks ago, and the Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) had to make sure people have a clear understanding of the entire picture.
"There was a post on social media that was rather concerning. And this relates back to when we had the wind storm and there were some power outages," Feser said.
"An individual had taken some pictures and noted that they brought a barbecue inside the home and started it up, trying to stay warm."
Not only did that person do it, but many others commented on the post, saying that it was a good idea and taking note of that for the future.
"No, this is not a great idea for a number of reasons. Number one is that you're bringing an explosive gas cylinder inside your house. This is definitely not a good idea.
"Number two is that neither barbecues nor fire tables are designed to be used inside the home, as they will let off the gas and will fill your home with carbon monoxide gas, causing poisoning or death.
Feser asked the public to never use or even bring any outside fire-related appliances inside the house. Instead, people should consider using special wood fireplaces, or go to neighbour's place, or acquire a back-up generator.
"Please, please, please, do not bring these types of units inside the house trying to heat your home," Feser said.
In other recent fire department news, on Jan. 30 at about 2 p.m., fire crews responded to the report of a commercial fire alarm that went off in the south central part of Estevan, in a multi-storey, multi-family occupancy. Upon fire crews' arrival, all people living in the facility gathered at the designated spot.
"It was very nice to see that everybody observed the fire alarm protocol procedures for this building because our first priority is life safety. We need to make sure that everybody is accounted for. Once that is accomplished, we can turn our attention to the actual emergency," Feser said.
The fire alarm panel was showing that the first-floor smoke detection device was going off in the northeast stairwell. The quick check-up showed that somebody had been vacuum cleaning in that area and a dust bag broke, spreading dust, which was mimicking the smoke.
"We easily downgraded the situation and found that it was a safe environment, so we let everybody return to their suites safely," Feser said.
