Fire Prevention Week is underway, and the St. Thomas Fire Department is encouraging residents to take some time this week to think about fire safety at home.
The annual observance has been running across Canada and the United States for more than a century, with local firefighters using the week to connect with the community and share important safety information.
This year, one of the major focuses is lithium-ion batteries, which are now found in items such as phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and other rechargeable devices.
Chief Fire Prevention Officer Kim Destun says firefighters are seeing more fires involving the batteries, including two in the city over the past month and a half.
The department is also reminding residents that Fire Prevention Week is a good opportunity to check smoke alarms and make sure everyone in the household knows what to do in the event of a fire.
As part of the week’s festivities, the public will also have a chance to connect with local firefighters during the department’s annual open house.
Destun notes that both St. Thomas fire stations will be open to the public on Thursday, October 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Destun says the open house is also a chance for firefighters to connect with the people they serve and help residents better understand their work.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
