The high number of fatal fires in Ontario so far this year, has raised alarms among local firefighters. Sarnia Fire and Rescue Fire Life Safety Educator Mike Otis said the theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week is 'Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape'. "There have been over 80 fatalities in Ontario already this year, and last year was the highest in 20 years unfortunately," said Otis.
Fire Prevention Officer Roel Bus said smoke alarms are key in escaping safely in the event of a fire.
"About 70 to 80 per cent of those fatalities were in buildings that did not have working smoke alarms," said Bus.
Otis said Sarnia Fire and Rescue is hosting an open house to mark the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. It's on Wednesday at the East Street firehall from 4 to 7 p.m.
"We want to go big for the 100th anniversary," said Otis. "So we're going to have a fire safety house, meet the firefighters, see the trucks and we're going to have our very first fire truck ever which is 100 years old this year as well. We are going to do a live burn, we're going to do some demonstrations, fire extinguisher training and Lucky and Clover are going to be there."
Fire Prevention Week runs through October 15.
