The Portage la Praire Fire Department is still going strong despite COVID-19.

Fire Chief Phil Carpenter gives us an update on how things at the station are going.

“Primarily, operations are as normal, and we’re responding to calls. We have locked down our Firehall, so no visitors are allowed. We’re trying to maintain a pretty secure building.”

They’ve switched to calling in instead of visiting the station to let them know they’re going on call.

He talks about how they’ve had to adapt.

“There’s not a huge change in the fact that everybody recognizes the importance of what’s going on. If we get a few members sick, that can add to the situation, but presently we’re good and healthy here in the department. Things are looking good, and we’re able and capable of responding to any emergency.”

They’ve also stopped fire inspections and education efforts around the community.