La Ronge Fire Chief Keaton Cloud grills some burgers and hotdogs for visitors. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

public engagement

Fire department hosts open house

Oct 11, 2024 | 12:27 PM

The La Ronge Regional Fire Department hosted their annual open house on Thursday.

The event was a chance for the public to tour their facility, check out fire trucks and equipment, as well as get to know local firefighters. It also included free burgers, hotdogs and beverages, recruiting, demonstrations and a child seat clinic.

“It’s really just about getting people in, checking out the facility and educating people a little bit like teaching them how to check their smoke alarms and test them out,” said deputy-fire chief Jay Wood.

There are currently 26 firefighters with the department and Wood is hopeful they will be able to recruit about 10 more members. Firefighters are paid for every call they attend.

So far in 2024, there have been approximately 250 calls for service with last year’s total being 268. It’s been a typical year for the fire department, but there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of needle pick-ups.

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“We have been pretty steady with calls volume-wise, but it’s been good,” Wood noted.

There were activities at the fire hall for residents of all ages. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“It has been a relatively good summer, nothing major has happened. We’ve had some structure fires and stuff like that, but nothing too crazy.”

Friday also marks the final day for two firefighters who joined the department six months ago through a work experience program. One is from Alberta and the other is from Ontario, and they have been working with the department on a full-time basis.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com