Fire Personnel Conducting Smoke Alarm Checks

As Fire Prevention Week™ approaches, West Kelowna Fire Rescue reminds residents:
Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!™

September 27, 2019

(September 25th) – West Kelowna Fire Rescue & Westbank First Nation are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape”. The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Data from Statistics Canada show that the number of structure fires declined by 26 per cent between 2005 and 2014. However, residential fires consistently accounted for roughly six of every 10 structural fires during that period. According to StatsCan, cooking equipment and smokers’ material caused approximately six of every 10 residential fires.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out. While NFPA and West Kelowna Fire Rescue are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

The BC Fire Training Officers Association, BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC, Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC, First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, FortisBC and Office of the Fire Commissioner are hosting a fire and burn prevention contest, with an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes for the elementary (kindergarten to grade seven) students in our community. One student from the Westside will win an Ipad. Details on the contest, including deadlines, rules and prizes, can be found on the Office of the Fire Commissioners’ website at www.gov.bc.ca/FireSafety/FirePreventionWeek or contact West Kelowna Fire Rescue at 778-797-3200.

In support of Fire Prevention Week, West Kelowna Fire Rescue and Westbank First Nation personnel will be visiting mobile home parks from September 28th – October 8th to check for working smoke alarms and discuss home escape planning with residents.