Each year, Fire Prevention Week has a different focus, and this year the national theme is working smoke detectors. Yorkton Fire Protective Services held a free pancake breakfast to commemorate the event and remind people of the benefits of a working smoke alarm.
Chief Trevor Morrissey says it's a recurring theme for the department because of the difference a smoke alarm can make when it comes to preventing injury or death in a fire. The goal is not only to get people to use a smoke detector, but to test them regularly - he recommends monthly - to ensure they're in working order.
"They are tried and true, they work, they're an early warning device so you can leave your home or business in time so nobody is hurt... It's nice to have a fire extinguisher in your home, and you need them, but the most vulnerable time is at night when you're sleeping, and those don't go to sleep."
One of the primary ways that they raise awareness is through the schools, Morrissey says, as kids bringing the message home is a very effective way to get families thinking about fire safety in their own homes.
Overall the week is something which Morrissey says the fire department enjoys each year, and they hope their message gets through and people remember to put a priority on fire safety.
"We enjoy having people through the station, and it's nice to keep the thought alive about fire prevention and fire safety."
