The Dawson Creek Fire Department is emphasizing fire safety during Fire Prevention week, after receiving a record number of emergency calls in the past two years.
Fire officials said the department responded to 783 emergency calls in 2024, 147 of which were fire related.
That number is expected to increase in 2025, potentially resulting in another record year for calls received.
The department noted that most fires start in kitchens or bedrooms, often caused by cooking accidents, heating equipment malfunctions, or electrical issues.
Fire prevention week runs from October 5 to 11. The Dawson Creek Fire Department is continuing its annual visits of elementary schools in the city to discuss fire safety with students from kindergarten to grade 3.
“As winter approaches, we remind the public to ensure your furnaces are working properly, filters are cleaned, and to not store combustible materials in furnace rooms,” said fire officials.