Open house targets fire safety

SANDPOINT — Smoke alarms will be given out free on Saturday by Selkirk Fire Rescue and EMS firefighters during an annual open house. It is held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention month.    

Selkirk Fire is hosting the open house, Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities for all ages will be available and more than 150 smoke alarms will be available at no cost. A free barbecue lunch will be served.   

Clint Frank, engineer for Selkirk Fire, said they open the fire house each October for educational reasons and to give away smoke alarms to ensure every house is protected. He said 82 percent of the more than 4,000 U.S. fire fatalities each year are because of no smoke alarm or a not working unit in the home. Frank said they encourage people to change their batteries each fall during Daylight Saving Time. This year, that is Nov. 1.

Firefighters have been working with more than 1,000 area students for past month to teach them the procedures they should use if a fire broke out. Frank said this includes having working smoke alarms and having a meeting place once outside of the burning home.

"We encourage them to be our junior firefighters and help us keep their homes safe by reminding mom and dad to test the smoke alarm once a month and to also change the batteries at least once a year," Frank said.

At the event, there will be 100 flu shots available from Idaho Panhandle Health, information about current burning regulations and chimney safety tips.

"A lot of home fires are started by un-kept flues," Frank said. "I would say we go on at least two a month between Sandpoint and Sagle, especially in the winter months."

Free rides will be available in Engine 1, the department's 1946 convertible fire engine. There will be a quick-draw competition, where the children and adults get to spray water from the hose. The climbing wall in the fire station will also be available during the open house. Frank said they go on three to four "rope-rescues" per year, so the wall is used for training for those rescues.

Frank said they will conduct a modified life search with some of the children. They will use fake smoke and a thermal energy camera to give the children a feel for being in a smoke-filled structure. Frank said it teaches the children how to use the walls to find their way out, and to "stay low and go."

"The smoke is not harmful," Frank said. "It's fake smoke we use for training scenarios."

Selkirk Fire hopes to host more than 300 people at the event. There will be more than 15 firefighters in attendance. The department boasts an open door policy, and gives away free smoke alarms throughout the year. Residents can call 208-263-3533 for assistance with installation.

Area residents are encouraged to check their chimneys and dryer vents and to be diligent during the holiday season with hanging of decorations. The three main causes for fires are cooking, small heaters and candles, Frank said. 

"So, obviously these are things we use every day. Just make sure to use them wisely and safely and that they are UL (United Laboratories) tested,"  said Frank. "We're always available for help. We're always excited to meet the public."