Last year in Ontario there were 89 fire fatalities. Already in 2012, there have been 7 more. Why? We can discuss the particular issues of unattended cooking; failing to maintain working smoke alarms and the absence of a home fire escape plan; but these are merely the symptoms. The real problem is our society and the lack of significance that we place on fire safety. As issues reach the appropriate level of significance, society will influence and ultimately initiate positive change.
An example of positive change is as close as your own garbage can. Today, recycling programs address environmental issues through a growing range of initiatives including blue box, grey box and green bin and so on. These programs have evolved from residential programs right through the commercial and industrial sectors. In fact, there is now a public expectation for participation in recycling programs. Although the programs remain voluntary; they have expanded to address the growing need based on participation.
Unfortunately, the same does not hold true with fire safety. Through generations of glorifying firefighters sliding down poles and stories of heroics, the fire service has compromised societies’ expectations of the fire service. For many people, the first image they think of when asked about fire, is that of the firefighter charging to their rescue. The fact remains, the only reason the firefighter is coming to the rescue is because a fire has started. If the fire had been prevented there would not have been the fire death. There are three lines of defence for fire safety; public education, code enforcement and suppression. The image of the heroic firefighter is the last line of defence.
There is no glory in suppressing a fire that could have been prevented in the first place. At GFD, our focus has shifted from reactive suppression to proactive public education. For the past several years, Grimsby Fire Department has made the commitment to promoting positive changes to the way our customers perceive fire safety. Last year alone, GFD delivered public education programs to over 15,000 customers at a variety of venues and events. The programs ranged from early years children’s programs, programs developed for our senior’s as well as ongoing campaigns promoting smoke alarms. I am pleased to report that the programs are beginning to show some success. Based on our statistics, the number of residential fires per capita is down for the fifth straight year. As much as this statistic is a reflection on the programming, more importantly, it is a reflection of the significance you have placed on your own fire safety. Thank you!
Our website is filled with fire safety information and resources. Please take the time to explore our site and use the information to improve your family’s safety. At GFD, we are proud to serve our neighbours and would welcome your feedback to help make this website even better. If you have any questions regarding fire safety, don’t hesitate to call us, we would be pleased to help. Thank you for helping make Grimsby a fire safe community.
Sincerely,
Michael Cain
Fire Chief
