Calgary Fire Department hosts safety fair to kick off Fire Prevention Week

Calgarians are invited to meet firefighters and other emergency responders, including Honey, the accelerant detection dog, and learn about fire prevention and safety at a safety fair to celebrate the start of 2015 Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4 to 10. Attendees can learn how to keep their families and neighbourhoods safe, while participating in activities and interactive displays.

The Community Safety Fair will be at the Acadia Recreation Complex (240 90 Ave. S.E.), from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 4th.

Fire departments across North America annually host Fire Prevention Week by sharing fire prevention and fire safety information. This year’s theme, “hear the beep where you sleep,” encourages all residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms within earshot of their sleeping areas.

“Many fires start at night,” said Public Information Officer Carol Henke. “If you are unable to hear your smoke alarm, you might not wake up in time to escape, or to help your family escape, from a fire in your house.  We want to get the message out to all Calgarians, to test their smoke alarms and ensure that everyone in your family can hear them from their bedrooms.”

Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed in Canada in 1919 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, as well as a major fire that destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa on February 3, 1916. 

“Fire prevention is important year-round,” said Henke. “This week allows us share our message and show our commitment to fire prevention, education, protection and safety.”

For more information about the 2015 Fire Prevention Week, visit www.calgary.ca/firepreventionweek.