Fire Prevention in Your Community ›

Caption: From left to right - Cory Heggart (Fire Prevention Officer), Mike Bos (Fire Marshal) and Ryan Harley (Fire Prevention Officer) stand in front of a fire truck outside Fire Hall 1.

When the flames are extinguished and the investigation starts, the fire prevention team steps in to determine the cause and origin of the fire so that future incidents can be prevented.

But the work doesn't start or stop there.

"Every day you will find our Fire Prevention Officers completing fire code inspections, fire investigations and providing public education," says Mike Bos, Fire Marshal. "Every phone call and every public interaction is an opportunity for education. We also enjoy doing presentations for target groups on fire and life safety, and other related topics."

A newly created position within the City of St. Albert's fire department, the Fire Marshal is responsible for overseeing all things fire prevention and ensuring compliance with the Safety Codes Act, community risk reduction and community relations.

However, Mike is no stranger to work as a firefighter as well. Starting as an on-call firefighter in 1995 he later discovered his true passion for fire prevention and life safety while working as a Safety Codes Officer in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

"In 2008, the opportunity arose for a full time Deputy Chief position in the town I lived in, and I was the successful candidate. At the time it was the best job ever, as it covered fire operations and fire prevention," explains Mike. "When the opportunity came to join St. Albert Fire Services in 2014 as a Fire Prevention Officer, I knew that is where I wanted to be. What drew me was the dynamics of being in a growing and demographically changing community with a fire service that I have always felt has unlimited potential."

Fire Prevention Week

The 2025 Fire Prevention Week runs from October 5-11. This year's theme: "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home" brings the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Officers to the St. Albert Farmers' Market on October 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer all your questions on fire prevention and lithium-ion battery safety.

Want to get started now? Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety and how to store, use and charge these devices.

What Can You Do to Prevent Fires?

"Be proactive and be prepared! In your house, have a fire safety plan, make sure your smoke alarms work and are not out of date, and stay in the kitchen when you cook," says Mike. "In the place you work, make sure you know your fire safety plan and muster points."

When it comes to devices that use lithium-ion batteries, fire departments have noticed an increased number of fires due to lithium-ion battery failures. These failures may be due to a number of causes; overcharging, using uncertified equipment or the wrong charging device, or damage to the battery.

"Lithium-ion battery fires can occur at any time and may have rapid growth, but with proper precautions lithium-ion powered devices can be relatively safe and convenient. We recommend people follow the advice on lithium-ion battery use and charging as provided by National Fire Prevention Association," adds Mike.

Captain: Photo on left shows a scorched battery power pack, cause of failure unknown. Photo on the right shows a scooter that was left unattended to charge overnight. Failure was caused by not following the manufacturer's requirements when charging.

The Fire Prevention team is always open to questions and pointing people in the right direction for fire safety information so don't hesitate to reach out at 780-418-6069.

Discover more fire prevention strategies for in and around your home.

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