Fire and Rescue Departments

Fireplace Safety

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional each year.
• Check Chimney for Cracks - Before that first fire of the season, check the chimney structure for cracks, loose bricks, or missing mortar.
• Check the Damper - Make sure the fireplace damper is working properly. There should be no debris preventing it from opening and closing.
• Check for Creosote Buildup - Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that forms inside your chimney when smoke doesn't entirely escape. As it builds up, creosote can cause chimney fires.
• Fireplace Guard - To prevent hot embers from getting out, use a metal mesh screen or glass fireplace doors.
• Check Alarms - Before starting a fire, make sure all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Lithium-ion Batteries

• These batteries store large amounts of energy in a small space, and if damaged or used improperly, they can catch fire or explode.
• Always follow manufacturer instructions when using and charging lithium-ion batteries.
• Only use the battery and charger that came with a device for that device.
• Do not charge devices with lithium-ion batteries on soft surfaces like a bed or couch.
• Avoid overcharging lithium-ion batteries, as this can reduce battery life or cause the battery to stop working.
• Remove e-cigarette batteries before putting the device in a pocket or bag.
• Stop using a lithium-ion battery if you notice an odour, change in colour or shape, excess heat, leaking, odd noise.
• Recycling used lithium-ion batteries is the best way to dispose of them. Do not put used batteries in the garbage or in piles.

Trees

If you choose to have a live tree, ensure that:

• You choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Cut 2” from the base of the trunk before placing it in the tree stand.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home.

For any tree, live or fake, make sure that you:

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Kitchen and cooking safety

• It’s tempting to leave the kitchen to visit with company, but you should always stay in the kitchen while food is cooking.
• Clear the cooking area of combustible items such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Create a “kid and pet-free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Fire safety for guests in your home

• If you have family, friends or other guests staying with you over the holidays, share your home escape plan with them so they know how to escape if there is a fire.
• Having visitors is also a great opportunity to test your fire safety equipment, like smoke alarms and CO detectors.
• Show your guests where your fire extinguishers are and instruct them on how to use them.

Decorating your home or work office

• Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Candles placed on tables, altars, or shrines must be maintained under the supervision of an adult.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heat sources.
• Do not use decorations in a way that would block an exit.

Holiday lights

• Ensure you use outdoor lights outdoors and indoor lights indoors.
• Ensure your lights have a sticker to show they meet CSA standards or are CSA approved.
• Inspect your lights before putting them up; replace cracked bulbs and strings of lights that have frayed, broken, or exposed wires.
• Never connect more than the recommended number of lights together.
• Know your limits when installing lights and make sure you have the right tools, such as the appropriate ladder, for hard-to-reach areas.
• Always turn off all indoor and outdoor lights before going to bed or leaving your home.

Candles

• Use LED candles instead of open flame candles.
• Keep candles away from curtains, paper, furniture, or anything that can easily catch fire.
• Adults should always supervise children when candles are lit. Children should never be left alone to light a candle or use matches.
• Keep candles in sturdy, stable holders and set them on stable surfaces away from drafts, children, or pets.

The Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service (EVSC) consists of four Fire Departments:

• Jaffray (main station)
• Baynes Lake
• Elko
• Hosmer Fire  

While there are four separate Fire Halls, we often work together during training events and incidents.  We are actively recruiting for new firefighters.  Please visit our department page to learn more.

CLICK HERE to visit the EVSC page.

The Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service (CVFRS) consists of four Fire Departments:

• Windermere (main station)
• Fairmont
• Edgewater
• Panorama 

While there are four separate Fire Halls, we often work together during training events and incidents. 

CLICK HERE to visit the CVFRS page.