ESTEVAN - Estevan fire crews responded to fire alarms and other calls this week, and got ready for PR activities.
Firefighters were called to a report of a noxious odour in a residence in southeast Estevan on June 6. The homeowner safely evacuated the building before the specialists' arrival. Firefighters entered the house, filled with a strong smell. Yet, gas detection devices didn't pick up any toxic elements or health hazards.
"There was an odour that mimicked sewer gas. SaskEnergy checked out the occupancy as well and confirmed that there were no natural gas concerns in the home. At that time, the homeowner was advised to contact a plumber. We figured that it's likely due to a plugged sewer drain or sewer stack that has the odour emanating inside the home. So at that time, the home was turned back over to the homeowner and crews returned to the fire station," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.
The same day, in the afternoon, fire crews responded to a residential fire alarm that went off in the north-central area of the city. The investigation showed that a detection head located in an underground parkade was activated. It was quickly learned that one of the tenants was sweeping the garage, and dust mimicked smoke, setting off the alarm.
With no emergency occurring, fire crews reset the alarm panel and returned to the station.
The next call for service came in on June 7 at about 6 p.m. Firefighters responded to a wildland/fuel fire report which came from a property located by Highway 39 east of Estevan.
"There was a controlled burn that was being conducted. The landowner did call in. However, there was some smoke that he observed to the south of where he was burning. When crews investigated that area, there was no other fire that was found. It was likely dust from the dry conditions on the road," Feser explained.
Shortly after that, firefighters headed out to Boundary Dam for their biweekly training. This time they practised open water rescue drills with a Zodiac rescue boat. Some firefighters also headed out to the Estevan Regional Airport to practise water supply and hydrogen drills for airport fire suppression operations.
Feser noted that this time of the year, Estevan Fire Rescue Service is involved with many PR activities in the community. They partook in the SMILE Services parade on June 9.
"We welcome everybody. Do enjoy the festivities safely during the next couple of days in the fair and rodeo event," Feser said.
On June 10, some firefighters were in attendance at the Estevan Comprehensive School for the John Dyck Show and Shine. They also were invited to attend St. Mary's School's track and field to cool kids down afterwards.
During the fair and rodeo weekend, the EFRS will compete against Estevan Police Service in a tug-a-war on June 11 at about 6-6:30 p.m., and on June 12 at about 3-3:30 p.m.
"We look forward to having a little bit of a celebrity pull off with some of our friends in emergency services and we hope the fire department comes up on top," Feser said with a laugh.
