Sarnia Fire Rescue Services is working with Enbridge Gas to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
On Tuesday, the company gave the fire department 312 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be dispersed throughout the city.
It's part of Community Safe Project Zero, a public education campaign in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC).
It will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario, and several other Lambton County fire departments have also benefitted.
This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 into the initiative and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
Starting January 1, 2026 the law in Ontario will require CO alarms on every storey of a home with fuel burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages.
Enbridge Operations Supervisor Robin Ellwood said carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas and these alarms help save lives.
“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killer',” said Ellwood. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”
Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC Jon Pegg underscored their importance.
“Each day, fire departments focus their efforts on educating the public about the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero, is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most,” said Pegg. “It is a program that not only helps fire departments raise awareness about the legal requirement to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in all Ontario homes, but also reinforces the critical role they play in saving lives."
Fire Chief Jeff Weber said Sarnia Fire Rescue Services continues to support and participate in this important initiative. "These alarms will help provide essential life-saving early detection to many families within our community," he said.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey also commented on the program. "Programs like Safe Community Project Zero are making a real difference for families here in Sarnia and across Ontario," said Bailey. "By providing life-saving alarms, Enbridge Gas, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and the Sarnia Fire Rescue Services are helping prevent tragedies before they happen. This is about keeping people safe where it matters most, right at home, and I’m proud to see these initiatives making an impact in our community."
CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in Canada. On average, the Sarnia fire department responds to about 200 CO alarm calls every year.
The fine for not having a working smoke or CO alarm is $360. It's also a good idea to test CO alarms monthly, and replace the alarms every ten years.
