Regina fire chief encourages caution in extreme cold

Plummeting temperatures combined with an ice-cold wind chill have blanketed Saskatchewan in extreme cold this week.

Environment Canada has issued extreme cold warnings for the entire province, with temperatures hitting -40 C in some parts of the province.

Layne Jackson, Regina’s fire chief, said fires can become more common in the cold, with furnaces, water heaters and appliances working overtime.

“In this type of cold weather they get extra use, right? They are working extra hard to keep up,” he said.

Regina Fire and Protective Services recommends annual checkups on fireplaces and wood-burning fireplaces. Jackson said crews still respond to the occasional chimney fire.

“We advocate for folks to check their heating appliances before the heating season and make sure that everything is maintained and in good repair,” said Jackson.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, he said warm air should circulate through the home near water pipes at at all times. If pipes freeze or burst, turn off the water valve immediately.

If you leave your house for more than 24 hours, the fire chief recommended turning off the water and having a friend or neighbour check your home heating while you are gone.

Jackson said appliances should be supervised when they’re running, and said to use plenty of caution with space heaters.

To prevent other appliance fires from breaking out, he recommended unplugging appliances when they are not in use and avoid overloading power bars.

If someone is out in the street and needs shelter from the cold, All Nations Hope Network, Al Ritchie Heritage Community Health Centre, Carmichael Outreach, the John Howard Society, Newoyotina Friendship Centre and Queen City Wellness Pharmacy all provide warming spaces and buses.

The Carmichael Outreach warming bus is expected to be available until Jan. 22, when a new warming space is set to open inside the building.

Environment Canada warned that frostbite can begin damaging exposed skin in minutes, and Jackson said he does not want to see anyone get hurt in the cold.

“If anyone sees someone that looks like they could need something, you can always call 911,” he said.