Tri-City elementary students could get the chance to find out what it takes to be a fire chief for a day, as Fire Prevention Week kicks off in some municipalities next Monday.
Emergency officials will be handing out safety booklets to schools across the region asking students to outline their fire preparedness plans.
"They get the chance to take it home and work through it with their family," said Port Coquitlam's acting assistant fire chief, Randy Minaker. "Our program is built around practising your home escape plan."
The student whose booklet is selected by his or her hometown's fire department will get the chance to be fire chief for a day and will tour the fire hall, meet staff and eat lunch with firefighters.
Fire Prevention Week runs between Oct. 9 to 15. During that time, Port Coquitlam fire crews will be visiting 16 schools in the municipality, targeting their education efforts at the Grade 3 and Grade 4 levels.
In Coquitlam, the department will hold an open house at the Mariner fire station (775 Mariner Way) and invite residents to meet fire officials and sit in the trucks. The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 12, between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
"It is an opportunity for members of the public to come in and meet firefighters and see the equipment," said Paula Faedo, a fire inspector with Coquitlam Fire and Rescue. "We will also have some public education information."
Port Moody fire department is encouraging residents to practise their fire escape plan during Fire Prevention Week.
