Vehicle extraction demonstrations were part of the open house held in La Ronge on Thursday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

public event

La Ronge Regional Fire Department hosts open house

Oct 12, 2023 | 5:23 PM

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, the La Ronge Regional Fire Department held an open house at the fire hall located along Highway 2.

Fire Chief Keaton Cloud and a handful of members were at the station Thursday for the open house between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event included tours of the hall, vehicle extraction demonstrations, public safety information, an application drive, and a free barbecue.

The open house included a free barbecue for the public. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“It’s been a fairly busy year,” Cloud said, noting the department has had more than 200 calls for service since the end of September and is on track to beat last year’s call volume.

“This time last year I think we were at about 190 calls. Just a combination of alarm calls and bush calls. There just seems to be all call types are going up. There’s not one specific.”

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Those interested in joining the fire department as a member have until Nov. 10 to apply. Those 18 years and older can join as a regular paid, on-call member, while those between 16 and 18 can join as a junior firefighter.

All applicants must have a driver’s license.

“Members get to help out their community,” Cloud added.

“There’s a big family culture here, so if you want to be part of something big in your community, you can definitely do that. There’s paid training. All of the training is paid. We will send you to training conferences.”

In the next couple of weeks, the department is planning to host a pancake breakfast, as well as a push-in ceremony for when the new fire truck arrives. The public will be advised of those details in the near future.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com