Five lucky students from Swift Current's public schools had their turn at being Fire Chief for a Day yesterday.

The students from grades four and five were randomly drawn by their respective schools upon completing a home fire escape plan.

Swift Current Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Peter L'Heureux explains the days activities.

"A ride in the ladder truck, we spray hoses, we put on fire gear, tour them through the whole (fire) hall and a bunch of private areas that aren't usually toured. (We) take them out for lunch and do a bunch of those things. It's about the extra experiences and giving them a great opportunity, and at the end of the day driving them back to the school," L'Heureux told SwiftCurrentOnline.

He also spoke about the development he sees in the children, which is his favourite part.

"Watching them come in really nervous and very quiet. By the end of the day they have come out of their shells, they're really excited, they're really open to you and seeing them so excited about being at the fire hall," he said.

John Arat, from All Saint School, spoke about his experience going up in the ladder that extends to approximately 104 feet.

"My fear of heights have been overcome completely (today), it was great (to go up in the bucket), the winds are so chilly up there," Arat said.

This event takes place outside of fire prevention week, but still promotes fire safety for the next generation.