Okotoks residents got an inside look at the fire department as well as some first hand fire prevention education this weekend.

To wrap up Fire Prevention Week the Okotoks Fire Department held an open house on Saturday.

Residents got to see a vehicle extrication demo, a simulated room filled with smoke, go for station tours, and book free home inspections.

Ken Thevenot, Okotoks Fire Chief, says an emphasis is always placed on being prepared.

"The theme this year for Fire Prevention Week is plan two ways out and make sure that you have working smoke detectors. In Canada there's on average eight fatalities a week from fires and out of those eight fatalities a week 73% are in homes."

Thevenot says hosting an open house is a key factor in getting residents to feel more comfortable asking them questions.

"Sometimes people hesitate on asking questions about smoke detectors, if they're hardwired or battery," he explains. "Sometimes you may not remember everything about a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector so those little things can ensure that you could escape a fire quickly because we all know how fast a fire can move through a residence with today's building materials."

Anyone who has any questions or is looking to book a free home inspection can contact the Okotoks Fire Department at (403) 938- 4066.

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