To ensure the Talbot Street corridor is safe for businesses, staff and residents, the St. Thomas Fire Department has launched its Fire Safe Downtown Campaign.
Chief Fire Prevention Officer Kim Destun tells myFM they are beginning the inspections at the west end of Talbot Street, dominated by businesses but some with second floor residential units.
Destun adds she and other officers will be conducting fire inspections and offering relevant staff training as part of the campaign.
The goal of the fire safety campaign is education and fire code compliance.
She explains what the year-long campaign will entail.
Once the inspections reach the core are with more upper level apartments, Destun expects the lack of working smoke alarms will become an issue.
The priority, stresses Destun, is giving owners and residents the tools and training they need to ensure downtown buildings are protected.
She referenced the fire in the downtown core of Aylmer and how quickly a blaze can spread.
The campaign was made possible through a grant from the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officer’s Association.
Written by Ian McCallum
