As temperatures soar Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) is encouraging residents to take steps to prevent fires. RDES Fire Prevention Bureau is offering free FireSmart home assessments for residents living in higher-risk neighbourhoods, such as The Pines, Garden Heights, Waskasoo and College Park. In all, 15 different neighbourhoods or streets, such as Spruce Drive and Selkirk Boulevard are eligible for free assessments. As part of the assessments, fire prevention officers will visit properties, identify areas of concern and provide recommendations to the risk of fire. “While these tasks may seem small, they can make a significant difference in reducing the potential for wildfire to spread,” said RDES in a news release.