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Colby Fire Department Celebrates Fire Prevention Month with School Visits and Smoke Alarm Saturday
October is Fire Prevention Month, and the Colby Fire Department is making the most of it by spreading important fire safety messages throughout northwest Kansas. From hands-on demonstrations with schoolchildren to helping residents make sure their smoke alarms are working properly, firefighters are working to keep the community safe.
Colby Fire Chief Scott Hilbrink recently visited with Kristina from NWKS Radio to talk about the department's activities throughout October and an upcoming program that provides a valuable service to local residents.
Teaching Fire Safety to the Next Generation
One of the biggest highlights of Fire Prevention Month for the Colby Fire Department is getting out into area schools and teaching children about fire safety.
"We see all the schools inside of the City of Colby, and then we even travel out to Brewster and Selden and talk to them about fire safety, checking smoke detectors, not playing with lighters and matches, and we get really good feedback with that," Hilbrink explained.
Firefighters visit students from Head Start and preschool through fourth grade, adjusting their lessons to fit each age group.
One of the students' favorite activities involves the department's special fire safety trailer. The trailer features a simulated bedroom where children can experience what to do if a fire breaks out in their home.
"We have a separate room that's set up like a pretend bedroom, and it's got a door in it that gets warm so we can simulate a hot door," Hilbrink said. "We've got a fog machine. We can fog up the back room and practice crawling low and below that smoke and then crawling out the window."
It's a fun experience for the kids, but more importantly, it teaches potentially lifesaving skills in a safe environment.
Some students also get the opportunity to visit the Colby Fire Station, where they can explore the fire trucks, learn about firefighters' daily responsibilities, and even try spraying a little water.
Beyond the lessons, these visits help children become comfortable around firefighters and understand that they are there to help in an emergency.
Smoke Alarm Saturday Returns October 31
Another important part of the department's Fire Prevention Month activities is its annual Smoke Alarm Saturday, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The program is designed to help Colby residents, particularly seniors and those who may have difficulty climbing ladders or reaching smoke alarms, keep their homes safe.
Firefighters will visit participating homes to check smoke alarms, replace batteries, and install replacement detectors when needed.
Best of all, the service itself is completely free!
"It's a free service to come in and do it. All we charge for is replacement of the batteries or if we have to put up a smoke detector," Hilbrink explained.
Residents who provide their own batteries or smoke alarms will not be charged anything for the installation or replacement service.
For those who need supplies, the department provides them at cost, with no markup. Hilbrink said nine-volt batteries are $3 each, while replacement smoke alarms cost approximately $20.
The program is especially helpful for older residents, but Hilbrink emphasized that anyone needing assistance or guidance about smoke alarm placement is welcome to call.
Another great benefit is that once residents are on the department's annual service list, they can receive a reminder and assistance each year.
To sign up for Smoke Alarm Saturday, call the Colby Fire Department at 785-460-4454.
Firefighters Are Always Available to Help
Fire Prevention Month may be the focus in October, but the Colby Fire Department wants residents to know that fire safety is important all year long.
Whether you have questions about where to install smoke alarms, want to learn more about fire prevention, or have children who would love to see a fire truck up close, the department welcomes visitors.
"Our normal business hours are eight to five Monday through Friday," Hilbrink said. "But as I said, the station is manned 24 hours a day. There is a guy there. But yeah, if you want to come by anytime, bring the kids by, check out the fire trucks, see what we do. If you have questions, concerns, feel free to come by."
The fire station's phone is also answered around the clock.
A Good Time to Check Your Home's Fire Safety
Fire Prevention Month is also a great reminder for everyone to take a few minutes to review fire safety at home.
Make sure smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. Test them monthly and replace smoke alarms when they reach 10 years of age, or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer.
Families should also have a home fire escape plan and practice it with children.
Everyone should know at least two ways out of each room when possible and where to meet safely outside.
And, as Chief Hilbrink reminds students throughout the area, matches and lighters are never toys!
The Colby Fire Department's efforts throughout October are another example of local first responders going above and beyond, not just answering emergency calls but working to prevent emergencies before they happen.
For more information about fire prevention or to get on the Smoke Alarm Saturday list, contact the Colby Fire Department at 785-460-4454.
NWKS Radio thanks Chief Scott Hilbrink and the entire Colby Fire Department for their continued dedication to keeping our communities safe.
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