Enbridge Gas teams up with West Lincoln Fire to reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths

Enbridge Gas Ontario teams up with West Lincoln Fire and Emergency Services to reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths through Safe Community Project Zero

Today, Enbridge Gas Ontario (Enbridge Gas), the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and West Lincoln Fire and Emergency Services announced they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

West Lincoln Fire received 192 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign that will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defense against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killer,” says Julie Alexander, Senior Advisor, Municipal & Stakeholder Engagement, Enbridge Gas. “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.”

“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,” says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC. “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.”

“According to the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal, 111 Ontarians lost their lives due to fires in 2024. These tragedies remind us that working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives,” says Fire Chief Tim Hofsink. “The most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to ensure that working smoke and CO alarms are installed on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas, and that they are tested regularly. Just as important, plan and practice your home escape so everyone knows what to do in an emergency."

About West Lincoln Fire and Emergency Services

West Lincoln Fire and Emergency Services is a composite fire department in Niagara, Ontario. It was established in 1950, and has been growing with the community since. There are two stations, one in Smithville and one in Caistor Centre. The 55 volunteer firefighters, administrative assistant and two chief officers serve the community of approximately 15,000 people, spread over an area of over 325 square km.

About the FMPFSC

The FMPFSC was established in 1993 with a mission to help create “a world where no one is hurt by fire.” Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal, the FMPFSC promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety. Follow the FMPFSC on X @FMPFSC.

About Enbridge Gas Ontario

Enbridge Gas Ontario is Canada's largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario. With more than 175 years of service, it delivers safe, affordable, reliable energy to over 4 million customers. It is investing in innovations that modernize how energy is produced, delivered and used to support a lower emission future. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, Canada’s largest integrated underground storage facility and one of the largest in North America. Enbridge Gas is owned by Enbridge Inc. (ENB), a North American-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Visit www.enbridgegas.com to learn more.

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For more information, please contact:

Sarah Trzok, Fire Administrator, West Lincoln Fire and Emergency Services
Tel: 905-957-3346 ext. 7004
Email: strzok@westlincoln.ca

Kathy Ash, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
Tel: 1-866-379-6668 ext. 4
Email: kathy.ash@firesafetycouncil.com