Focus on cooking safety at Oakville Fire Prevention Week kickoff event

Everyone loves home cooking, but statistics show that unattended cooking is the No. 1 cause of fires at home in Canada.

Half of the estimated 358,500 home fires every year start in the kitchen, which is why safe cooking is the focus for the Oakville Fire department during this year’s annual Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 8 to 14.

This year’s national theme is “Cooking safety starts with You. Pay attention to fire prevention™,” which aims to educate the public about safe cooking.

Local residents will be able to learn more about fire safety at the Fire Prevention Week kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 23.

“Kitchen fires are a prevalent threat in our town and province, often leading to fatalities, but preventable with proper safety precautions,” said Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault, Oakville Fire Department. “Join our event where fire crews will empower you with valuable fire safety information.

“Let’s also unite for the Test Your Smoke Alarm Day where a small action can save lives and improve our community’s resilience.”
This year’s kickoff event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakville Fire training campus at 1144 South Service Road West.

No registration is required for the free event, which will include free hot dogs, activities, displays and fire safety demonstration for those of all ages.

There will be exciting rescue demonstrations, the junior firefighter challenge and other activities including a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, inflatable air rides, a smoke room simulator, the junior firefighter water squirt, and fire safety games.

Kids will also be able to check out the fire trucks, including Pumper 8, the antique fire truck which turns 75 years this year.

“Come ignite your awareness at our Fire Prevention Week Kickoff on September 23—where fun meets fire safety in a dynamic day of activities that will not only entertain but empower everyone to prevent fires in their own home,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

Residents will also be able to learn about Ontario’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the kickoff event. This new initiative is in response to 133 fire fatalities in Ontario – the most in 20 years.

During the special day, residents across the province will be encouraged to test their smoke alarms using the test button to make sure everyone in the home recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

Funding for this year’s Fire Prevention Week kickoff event was provided by SparkPower, RioCan Oakville Place, Oakville Parent-Child Centre and ServiceMaster. McDonalds Restaurants Dorval Crossing will provide the free hot dogs.

The public are advised to bring a refillable water bottle to use at water stations throughout the location.

Free parking and shuttle bus service, provided by Oakville Transit will be available at the Bronte GO. The last shuttle will leave the Bronte GO at 2:45 p.m.

Parking at the training campus is reserved for people with limited mobility or medical conditions. Parking enforcement for South Service Rd. will also be in effect so residents are encouraged to access the free parking and shuttle service. Service animals are welcome, but pets are not permitted.