From training exercises to protocols while on a call, there have been a number of new wrinkles thrown into the job of the Redvers Volunteer Fire Department. Like many other groups, they've been getting used to life under COVID-19. 

"We have managed to sneak in a few meetings here and there," said Fire Chief Brad Hutton. "Our training as a department has been kind of put on hold just to keep us not all together too much. We'll make up some time here for training."

The big training items that Huttons said they'd need to catch up on are day-to-day exercises and equipment knowledge. Meanwhile, the calls keep coming in and that means putting firefighters at risk possibly of COVID-19 exposure. 

"One thing you've always got to keep in mind is personal protection for yourself, that's always number one, the key," Hutton said. "The first one we had just as everything started, a bunch of us took off, just a normal, everyday thing like you'd always do. Then afterwards, you get thinking."

Hutton added once on the scene they made sure to take proper precautions, including wearing masks and gloves and standing apart from one another unless necessary. A lot of the personal protective equipment they wear isn't too different from what normal calls required, but COVID-19 did loom in their minds early. 

"It's always in the back of your mind," he said. "You still go do your job like you always would, but you definitely keep in mind to protect yourself a little extra. You definitely keep a lot of extra sanitizers kicking around the trucks and we sanitize them more regularly than before, for sure."

And of course, there are still the usual dangers of day-to-day calls. Recently, the fire department was called to an accident involving farm equipment and some Saskpower property. 

"There was an incident with a cultivator and a power pole," Hutton said. "That was a little bit scary for a bit there, but it all turned out well."