Community invited to Fire Prevention Week Kickoff on September 23

Free hot dogs, activities, displays and fire safety demonstration for all ages to enjoy!

The Oakville Fire department invites residents to have fun while learning about fire safety at the annual Fire Prevention Week Kickoff event on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakville Fire training campus at 1144 South Service Road West. This is a free event and registration is not required. 

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 8 to 14 and this year’s national theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention,” which aims to educate the public about important actions for safe cooking. 

This year’s event includes 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 can also check out the fire trucks, including Pumper 8, the antique fire truck which turns 75 years this year.  

The event is made possible thanks to McDonalds Restaurants Dorval Crossing who will provide free hot dogs, and funding support from SparkPower, RioCan Oakville Place, Oakville Parent-Child Centre and ServiceMaster. 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 Road will also be in effect so residents are encouraged to access the free parking and shuttle service. Service animals are welcome, while pets are asked to stay home. 
 

Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

At Oakville Fire’s September 23 kickoff event, residents can also learn about Ontario’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day on Thursday, September 28, 2023. This new initiative is in response to 133 fire fatalities in Ontario – the most in 20 years. As part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, all Ontarians are 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.
 

Quotes

"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!"

- Mayor Rob Burton

“Kitchen fires are a prevalent threat in our town and province, often leading to fatalities, but preventable with proper safety precautions. 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.”

- Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault, Oakville Fire Department