Fire departments host community open house events

Fire departments in Chicoutimi and Arles recently held open house events to engage with the community and educate the public on emergency services.

In Chicoutimi, the fire station hosted hundreds of citizens, specifically focusing on children. The event aimed to familiarize young people with firefighting equipment and procedures, such as extrication techniques, to reduce fear during real emergencies. Officials noted that seeing firefighters in full gear can be intimidating, so demonstrations help demystify the profession.

In Arles, the rescue center at Fourchon celebrated its tenth anniversary with its first open house during European Heritage Days. More than 1,000 visitors attended to observe demonstrations by professional and volunteer firefighters. Activities included fire maneuvers, road rescue simulations, water rescue displays, and canine unit demonstrations. The event also featured modern technology, such as drones and remote-controlled vehicles, alongside historical fire engines.