Enbridge Gas Partners with Oakville Fire Department to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Enbridge Gas Inc., the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC), and the Oakville Fire Department have teamed up to reduce fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths through the Safe Community Project Zero initiative.

As part of the project, the Oakville Fire Department received 432 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Safe Community Project Zero is a public education campaign aimed at providing over 14,500 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in the project, which has delivered more than 101,000 alarms to fire departments across the province over the past 16 years.

“When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide an early warning to safely escape fires or carbon monoxide exposure,” said Brad Martin, GTA West Operations Advisor at Enbridge Gas. “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and these alarms are a crucial second line of defence against poisoning.”

Carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas, is produced by the incomplete combustion of common fuels and is a serious threat to residents. The Safe Community Project Zero aims to raise awareness about the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every home, especially those with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal and Acting Chair of the FMPFSC, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Safe Community Project Zero helps fire departments educate communities about the need for working smoke alarms in every home and carbon monoxide alarms where required.”

Oakville Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault expressed his gratitude for the partnership, saying, “This collaboration with the FMPFSC and Enbridge is a huge step in protecting lives and homes in Oakville. These alarms are essential for keeping our community safe, and we are thankful for the generous donation that will directly support those most in need.”

The Oakville Fire Department plays a crucial role in protecting the town’s 233,000 residents. As a full-time service with nine fire stations, it provides emergency response, fire prevention, education, and emergency planning.