October 4-10, 2026 is Fire Prevention Week
October 4-10 is National Fire Prevention Week. According to the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department, during the past fiscal year, which runs May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026, the department responded to a total of 69 incidents. 26 were within city limits, 31 were rural and 12 mutual aid calls for service were answered by the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department. This resulted in 3047 hours spent in answering alarms. In total, 4454 hours were spent in service to the community on fires, drills, meetings, schooling and other special duties. The Valentine Volunteer Fire Department has 48 active firemen and women on their roster.
This is the perfect time to make sure that your smoke detectors are working in your home. If you do not have a smoke detector, it is highly recommended to do so. If you need assistance in checking the operation or replacing the batteries in your detectors, you’re encouraged to call the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department at 376-1700, and someone will assist you. Statistics show the chance of dying in a home fire are reduced by more than 50% if a working smoke detector is present in your home.
