Fire prevention week highlights accountability

Fire Prevention Week kicks off Sunday with a message of public responsibility for implementing measures to prevent fires from breaking out.

The week begins with National Firefighter Appreciation Day. On Sunday afternoon, a ceremony will be held in Quebec City, attended by Minister of Public Safety Ian Lafrenière, to recognize the work of firefighters who have distinguished themselves.

“Firefighters across the province risk their lives every day, respond every day. Today is about recognizing the person who gave that extra bit,” explained Chris Ross, President of the Montreal Firefighters Association, in an interview.

“There is recognition for their actions during an intervention. There are also citizens who will be recognized for having contributed to the success of an intervention, meaning someone who intervened before the firefighters arrived,” he added.

He indicated that individuals will also receive recognition for other contributions: Ross will be recognized for his contribution to firefighter occupational health and safety.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week is held under the theme “You Are the First Responsible.”

According to the Ministry of Public Safety, nearly half of fire incidents result from human error and 23 per cent are caused by electrical or power distribution equipment.

“We can certainly think about the important role played by firefighters, the lives we save, and the property we protect, but ultimately, I think that when we talk about making people responsible, it’s about being careful,” said Ross.

He indicated that the element that saves the most lives is the smoke detector. “If we have one piece of advice to give during this week, it’s to make sure you check your smoke detector and make sure it’s working. The batteries need to be changed, or even better, a model that no longer requires batteries, which will last for 10 years, he said. The firefighters’ intervention is important, but even better is that we don’t have to intervene.”

The president of the Montreal Firefighters Association pointed out that the main cause of residential fires remains cigarettes.

He therefore urges smokers to properly extinguish their cigarette butts. Mr. Ross also urges the public to be vigilant about devices that use lithium batteries, such as cell phones and computers.

“These fires are increasingly frequent. It’s also a very serious issue. Lithium batteries burn very intensely, making them difficult to extinguish,” the firefighter explained.

He recommends properly maintaining equipment that uses this type of battery and using the charger that comes with the device. These electronic devices should also not be charged in locations that could prevent you from leaving your home in the event of a fire.

“We don’t recommend charging them in your bedroom or near the exit door,” he said. Other tips issued by the Ministry of Public Security during this prevention week include preparing a home evacuation plan, limiting the use of extension cords, and using only certified electrical appliances.

“The basics of fire safety are, first and foremost, the preventive actions you can take every day for yourself and your loved ones. Everyone has a crucial role to play,” stated Minister Lafrenière in a press release.

According to the ministry, an average of 308 people are injured in a fire in Quebec each year, and 27,000 people are evacuated.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews