Enbridge Gas and South River Machar Fire Department say they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
The fire department received 72 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council that will provide more than 14,500 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.
“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential in protecting our families from fire and dangerous gases, giving them the early warning needed to escape safely. Every second counts in an emergency, and having alarms in place truly saves lives,” says Fire Chief Risto Maki. “Thanks to the Enbridge donation, our fire department can now expand our alarm program, ensuring more homes are equipped with these critical devices. This support allows us to reach families who may not have had access before, making our entire community safer.”
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels."
“The best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide is to properly maintain fuel-burning equipment,” says Steve Wall of Enbridge Gas. “These alarms are a critical second line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning, known as ‘the silent killer.’"
“Across Ontario, there is a renewed focus on the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home," says John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal.
The South River Machar Fire Department serves the community from a single fire station located in the village of South River. The department is staffed by a dedicated team, including a full-time fire chief, a volunteer deputy chief, a full-time fire prevention officer, six captains, and 16 volunteer firefighters.
