Chief Steve Dongworth said each school must complete at least six fire drills each year, and that fire officials must attend at least one. He said this ensures staff, students, and the broader community know what to do.Â
âFirefighters attend the drill to support school staff, check access points, fire safety systems, evacuation procedures, and assembly areas â all critical parts of a fire escape plan,â said Dongworth.Â
âWe also connect teachers with important fire safety educational resources, so that students and parents can learn what to do in emergency situations.â
He said that, over the years, the fire department has become more involved in spreading this awareness, including partnering with school boards. The basic principle remains the same, however: getting everyone out fast and efficiently.Â
âTo get out quickly, to check that everyoneâs accounted for by assembling in a position or a place where itâs agreed thatâs whatâs going to happen,â said Dongworth.Â
âSo that we can, when we come, take care of whatever situation there is that needs to be taken care of.â
Kean Hallisey, this yearâs junior fire chief, is a Grade 8 student who said he wants to become a fireman. He said that itâs important to take fire plans seriously not only at school, but at home, too.Â
Hallisey recommended that every home have an escape plan with two exit options for each room and a predetermined meeting location far from the home.
âYou should practice it twice a year so you remember what to do and stay safe in a real emergency,â he said.Â
âIf you have a pet or something, and you are out, stay out â you can ask the [firefighters] to get them. Hopefully, they can get it for you.â
For more information about home fire safety, visit the City of Calgaryâs website.
Copyright 2026, LiveWire Calgary. All rights reserved.
Sarah Palmer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, LiveWire Calgary.