Fire sirens, flashing lights, and a bouncy castle for the kids – the Winkler Fire Department is inviting the whole community to experience the excitement of firefighting firsthand. On Wednesday, October 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., the fire hall will open its doors for its annual Fire Prevention Week open house, giving families the chance to meet local firefighters, explore the trucks, and learn crucial safety tips in a fun, hands-on environment. “Fire prevention is probably the most important job that a fire department can do. Nobody wants to see fires or people hurt, and the best way to prevent that is through education." - Winkler Fire Chief Richard Paetzold A busy year for local firefighters It’s been a full year for the department, says Fire Chief Richard Paetzold, who shared that members spent part of their summer helping with wildfire efforts in northern Manitoba. “Our department was out 72 days with northern wildfire deployments,” he said. “We’ve recovered from that, I believe, and we’re moving on to fall and Fire Prevention Week now.” Paetzold said he’s proud of how firefighters across the province stepped up when help was needed. “The province, I like that motto, one Manitoba,” he said. “We saw a response by fire departments all over Manitoba when called, and we went and helped our neighbors.” Family fun and learning for all ages The open house offers a chance for the public to see what happens behind the doors of the fire hall. “Fire trucks, meet the firefighters, and we’re going to have a bouncy house for the kids,” Paetzold said with a smile. “We’ll keep everyone inside if it’s cooler, and we’ll make sure the other firefighters aren’t bouncing around in the house.” In addition to activities for children, there will be cookies and refreshments for everyone. “There’s cookies,” Paetzold laughed. “That’s always a good reason to come out.” Fire Prevention Week focus: lithium-ion battery safety Each year, Fire Prevention Week carries a new safety message, and this year’s focus is on lithium-ion battery safety. These batteries are used in everything from e-bikes and scooters to laptops and phones, but when damaged or improperly charged, they can become dangerous. “Lithium-ion batteries store a lot more electricity in a smaller package,” Paetzold explained. “They’re great when used properly, but when they get damaged or are charged with the wrong equipment, they can overheat. The gases released from the batteries are flammable and can catch fire.” Related stories: Winkler Fire Chief Richard Paetzold reflects on the wildfire season Firefighters battle past sunset at Winkler's Quality Inn and Suites Safety tips from the Winkler Fire Chief Paetzold shared several practical tips to help residents stay safe. “When batteries are charged, unplug your charger,” he said. “Don’t keep your computer or any device like that under your blanket on your bed. We’ve had those types of fires where things overheat and bad things happen.” He added that people should look for warning signs of a failing battery. “If you notice your battery’s bulging or you smell something like rotten eggs or sulfur, something’s leaking. It’s a good idea to get it checked out.” When batteries reach the end of their life, proper disposal is crucial. “Locally, we have Gateway Resources that recycle batteries,” said Paetzold. “It’s a good idea to keep your batteries separate and not just have them in a tight package where they can short out or get damaged.” A reminder to read before you plug in For those purchasing new devices, Paetzold reminded residents to take a few minutes to read the manufacturer’s instructions. “If in doubt, read the manufacturer’s recommendations in that little pamphlet that usually gets chucked out,” he said. “Read it when you get it, because probably you won’t look at it again, but it tells you how your device is supposed to be properly used.” Everyone welcome at the Winkler Fire Hall The Winkler Fire Department’s open house runs Wednesday, October 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Winkler Fire Hall. Families can expect fire truck tours, meet-and-greets with local firefighters, safety education, and plenty of fun for kids. As Paetzold put it, “Fire prevention is probably the most important job that a fire department can do. Nobody wants to see fires or people hurt, and the best way to prevent that is through education.” Event details: Winkler Fire Hall Wednesday, October 8, 2025 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Fire trucks, kids’ bouncy castle, cookies, and safety information