(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Open house

Residents brave cool weather, power outage to visit Melfort FD open house

Oct 7, 2025 | 5:10 PM

The Melfort Fire Department didn’t let a power outage deter them from hosting their annual open house on Sunday.

Fire Chief Leonard Whitney told northeastNOW they were happy with the turnout at the event, considering the power outage and cool weather.

“Got more people than we expected, really,” Whitney said.

The open house is an opportunity for the department to demonstrate what they do. Some of the demonstrations included a vehicle extrication presentation, with firefighters using various tools to show how they remove people from vehicle crashes.

Crews use their extrication tools on a vehicle at the open house. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

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“As a department, it’s always good when we can let people from the community have a look at what we have to offer, and skills that we develop and train for to look after the community,” he explained.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

The department also displayed various tools and equipment, and children were able to use the Jaws of Life, hoses, and thermal cameras to see how they work. Whitney said the open house allows children to learn more about the department and what it means to be a firefighter. He said that it can come in handy during difficult situations.

“We always want to make sure kids are comfortable around firefighters, and when they get the chance to come and see our stuff and interact with the firefighters…it puts them more at ease,” Whitney said. “If they ever are in a situation where there is a fire, then they aren’t scared of the people coming to get them.”

Deputy Chief Doug Walsh’s efforts to maintain the history of the fire department were also on display, with pictures and articles featured inside the fire hall.

While the department didn’t receive any applications at the open house, Whitney said their recruitment drive continues through the month of October. He added he appreciates everyone attending the open house, considering the chilly weather and the power outage that lasted through much of the event.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com