SANDPOINT — Members of Selkirk Fire, Rescue & EMS are working to keep people safe through education for fire safety week, and providing fire safety resources to the public.

Usually, fire department officials would make in-person visits at schools to help children learn important fire safety measures, said Selkirk Fire Capt. Clint Frank.

However, because of COVID-19 safety measures, the department has made an informational video that is being sent to area schools. The video, made by volunteer firefighter Gwen Letour, is also available on YouTube for anyone not enrolled in school.

"[Letour] did a great job," Frank said.

One of the biggest safety precautions the department stresses, Frank said, is to make sure that fire alarms are working and batteries are replaced twice a year.

“The fires that don’t end well are the fires where the smoke alarms don’t work,” he said.

Selkirk fire provides up to two free smoke detectors for any household, Frank said. And for seniors or people who may have trouble installing new detectors or replacing batteries, the fire department is available to assist, he said.

Another important part of fire safety at home is to make sure chimneys are properly swept. This can be done professionally, or by homeowners. Selkirk fire has chimney sweepers available for rent for anyone who needs them, Frank said.

Combustible items should be kept three feet away from heat sources like space heaters or hot tools, he said, and dryer vents should be properly connected and cleaned of debris.

An important step in the case of a fire is to have at least two exits identified, Frank said. If there is heat at the door and leaving a room is impossible, occupants should sit against a wall where it will be easiest for firefighters to spot a person. If occupants hear sirens, they should immediately go to the nearest window to let firefighters know where they are.

Much of the fire safety the department teaches is common sense, Frank said, but it can be easy to forget or become complacent, so regular reminders are important.

It is also important to note, Frank said, that open burning is scheduled to begin Oct. 20 and lasts through May 10. This means the public may see large burn piles, which are common and do not require special permits during this period.

Questions about fire setting and permits can be directed to the Idaho Department of Lands, which can be contacted in Sandpoint at (208) 263-5140.

If in doubt, the public should still call the fire department, he said. However, this type of controlled fire is common, safe, legal and should not pose a risk for the public.

To reach Selkirk Fire’s main line, the public can call (208) 263-3502.

Selkirk Fire is a Joint Powers Agreement between Sandpoint, Sandpoint, Sagle and West Side Fire Districts, covers 192 square miles in the region.