The number of calls the Morden Fire Department has responded to is at its lowest point in 12 years.

Over those 12 years, it seems their calls are in thirds, says Fire Chief Andy Thiessen, for alarms, fires, and vehicle accidents and other emergencies. The only difference is there's a lot less of them.

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but there are a couple of things."

Rural areas have improved communicating when they are doing a controlled burn of bushes or windrows, which allows the department to let those who see the blaze know it's under control.

Another reason is Thiessen believes people are safer.

"I truly believe people are being more careful. They're more aware of what's going on in their own home, how they use items around a combustible material, and I knock on wood every time I say it, but people are driving a little bit better, and they're more aware of weather and driving conditions."

Although calls are down, there are still some that have caused the department some grief, says Thiessen. Over the summer, a house was lost to an unfortunate fire, there was a three-day search for a woman who luckily was found, but it does eat up a considerable number of volunteer hours.

Community is a significant component of the fire department, and Thiessen says they always want to give back and support their own. As the team is mainly comprised of volunteers, they've had to focus on specific events they want to be a part of as to not burn out the volunteers. However, Thiessen says the groups they do support are always meaningful.

"We've decided if it involves safety or first-aid aspect, then we'll look to getting involved in it. One of the key events which are always fun is the Teddy Bear Picnic. It's a great public education tool to meet with the family, and we also helped out at the U18 Hockey Tournament, helping out in the medical side of it when we could."

Other initiatives Thiessen says they're involved in are their boot campaign, Morden Cheerboard, Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, United Way's Coats for Kids, and one which has grown more than anticipated is their book sale.

The Morden Fire Department has been involved in the Children's Hospital Foundation Manitoba's book sale for the past ten years. Thiessen says once they were done selling the books, the extras would be recycled, but that is changing after a woman from Kenya approached them.

"Her family dreamed that their community would have a library. A library was built, but there wasn't a book in it."

He adds she asked if they provided the books for the library, she would handle the fundraising efforts to transport them overseas. The hope is in the new year, enough funds will have been raised to fill the library.

Overall, it's been a positive year to become involved in the community for more than just fire or emergency response. Thiessen says it's good for volunteers to see the positive in the community to help take the edge off from being a first responder.