Fire Prevention Week

by Madison Jean

Firefighters across North America came together in Windsor the week of Oct. 9 for the thirty-sixth annual Fire Prevention Week.

The event was held at the Devonshire Mall, where Windsor firefighters were putting on demonstrations and skits for the public, for the purpose of educating and informing people about of fire-preventive measures.  According to the captain of Windsor Fire and Rescue Service, Don Bennett, the new theme for preventing fires is “have two ways out.”
“We try to get (fire prevention week) going for the kids, but when the kids are here we do stuff for the adults too,” said Bennett, 57. “We put different things on to get them involved. We encourage them to find different routes.”
The fire department wouldn’t be able to put on such an event without the contributions of volunteers.  Jason Blanchard, 25, a volunteer for eight years, became a first class fireman four years ago. He said volunteering is valuable.
“I think we all have a duty to volunteer,” said Blanchard. “We remind the public going into the winter season the things they need to be aware of. Fire prevention week is a good way to get this out there.”
Fire prevention week started in 1976 following an incident in Chicago start started on Oct. 8, 1871 and continued until Oct. 10, 1871. According to a myth, it all started from a cow kicking over a lantern in a small barn which caused a fire, killing hundreds and destroyed over three miles of land.  Fires kill over 250 people per year in Canada and the leading cause of fires are candles falling over.
Roch Gascon, 56, a Windsor firefighter for the past 42 years talked about the importance of fire safety.

“We’re just trying to raise the awareness of fires in Windsor,” said Gascon. “We get to meet a lot of people and help kids learn about fire safety. I think it’s good for people to learn. I’ve always been involved in (fire prevention week).”

Fire Prevention week took place until Oct. 12.