15 May Fire Safety Day 2026
Special Areas Fire Services and Hanna Fire Department members were excited to host a local Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety Day on May 6, 2026, in Hanna, AB in collaboration with Prairie Land School Division.
With 230 students from grades 4 to 9 attending from Berry Creek, Delia, Hanna, Morrin and Youngstown schools, this event was a great opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and learn new fire safety skills. Students also learned more about how they can help their families and communities be better prepared for emergency situations.
Students learned about different fire safety information, prevention and tips from the local experts. Volunteer firefighters showed how to correctly use a fire extinguisher, put out fires at the burn tower, test out Motor Vehicle Accident rescue tools, and see how the livestock rescue trailer is used for livestock rollovers. Students also toured the Brooks Fire Department’s simulation trailer that replicated a bbq fire, kitchen fire, house fire, and extreme weather like a tornado.
“It’s important for students of this age to learn about fire safety. Some of them might be staying home alone after school, babysitting at someone else’s home or working out on the farm. Fires can happen anywhere to anyone and it’s our job to help people feel prepared if a fire does happen.” -Rob Palmer, Special Areas Fire Chief
Throughout the day, students asked lots of different questions, writing down the top three things they learned throughout the day. With over 200 forms completed, the some top learnings were the “PASS method” (Pull pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) to use a fire extinguisher, making sure to call 9-1-1 every time, and just how heavy all that firefighter gear is.
“Don’t go into a fire without gear or you will be a burnt chicken nugget” – Amelia, student
FireSmart information packages were sent home with all students, and each school received a 72-hour emergency kit to keep the emergency preparedness conversation going.
Learn more about how to prepare for emergencies by visiting https://www.alberta.ca/resources-for-your-community or visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-prevention-and-mitigation to learn how to prevent wildfires.
For more information on Fire & Emergency Services in the Special Areas, visit https://specialareas.ab.ca/services/fire-emergency-services/.
