Ontario fire department takes digital training into schools, seniors’ homes
It’s not only about extinguishing flames. It’s also about extinguishing risk.
As part of an innovative outreach program, Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services in Ontario is actively engaged in showing some of the most vulnerable members of our society – children and seniors – the safest way to put out a fire. And the centerpiece of this initiative is a BullsEye digital fire extinguisher training system, purchased in part through a Safe Community grant from Enbridge.
“Some of the most vulnerable populations, with the highest risk of fire fatality, are typically children and seniors,” says Bob Davidson, assistant chief at Chatham-Kent FES, which provides emergency response services across a 2,500-square-kilometer municipality.
“By having a portable training system that we can take indoors, we’ll be better able to help these and other groups learn how to use fire extinguishers.”
To operate this laser-driven training system, instructors activate a dynamic, realistic fire simulation on a portable screen – and then show participants the quickest and most effective way to put out the fire, using a training extinguisher. Because the system is based on a laser beam, rather than dry chemical or carbon dioxide, training can be held virtually anywhere.
Chatham-Kent FES plans on using this new tool to teach fire safety to school kids, residents and staff at seniors’ homes, and other groups. The fire department is contacting schools to introduce the training as part of their safety curriculum, and will incorporate use of the equipment at the Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village, a non-profit teaching facility that provides hands-on safety programs to 3,000 students each year.
The digital training unit has been successfully demonstrated at numerous of fire safety events, including Chatham’s annual FireFest in September.
“We’ve had nothing but rave reviews wherever we’ve shown the new training equipment,” Davidson says.
Davidson previously worked as deputy fire chief at Strathcona County Emergency Services in Sherwood Park, AB, which used a Safe Community grant from Enbridge to purchase two laser-driven units and successfully expand fire extinguisher training to schools and other community groups. Our Safe Community program supports fire department and emergency response agencies in North American communities near our projects and operations, to help fund safety equipment, training, or educational programs.
This $12,700 grant marks the fourth Safe Community donation Enbridge has made to Chatham-Kent FES since 2012, totaling about $46,000. Previous financial support has been used toward purchase of thermal imaging cameras, a fire education trailer, and a propane-powered system that provides outdoor fire extinguisher training.
“We know the great work the Chatham-Kent fire department does in supporting the communities they serve, and we’re proud to be able to assist them in their work,” says Ian MacRobbie, general manager of Enbridge’s Green Power and Transmission in Ontario and Quebec.
Within the Chatham-Kent municipality, we operate the 99-megawatt (MW) Talbot Wind Farm, near Ridgetown, Ont., and the 5MW Tilbury Solar Project in Tilbury.
“Enbridge’s philosophy of improving community safety is outstanding. I’ve experienced this commitment in two municipalities now,” says Davidson. “I can’t say enough about the commitment of Enbridge to supporting safety in the community.”
