Government of Canada and Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada partner to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Week

Press Release

October 12, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

In honour of Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15, 2016), the Government of Canada and the Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada (AFAC) are highlighting efforts to improve fire prevention in Indigenous communities across Canada.

This year, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and AFAC have renewed a five-year Joint First Nations Fire Protection Strategy to support on-reserve communities in reducing the risk of fire incidents on reserves by promoting initiatives that focus on preventing fires before they start.

INAC and AFAC have also partnered on the BeFireSafe awareness campaign that encourages fire prevention in Indigenous communities through educational materials that highlight seasonal fire safety tips throughout the year. This year, new fire prevention and awareness resources include a 16-month BeFireSafe calendar and several informational fire safety videos.

Quotes

“Fire Prevention Week is an important time to remind ourselves how vital it is to refresh our knowledge on how we can prevent fires and keep our families and homes safe year round. I would like to commend the Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada on their tireless work to help raise awareness to keep Indigenous communities and families safe.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

“The Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada encourages all First Nations to take the time during Fire Prevention Week to double check a few things that can help your family stay safe. First, check your smoke alarm; make sure your batteries are replaced or update your smoke alarm to a 10 year battery smoke alarm. Ask your family about escape plans and take a few moments to look at your home for fire hazards such as cleaning your chimney and not using extension cords in a permanent manner. The best fires we fight are the ones we avoid.”

Blaine Wiggins, Executive Director,
Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada

“The Government is committed to working in partnership with its federal partners to improve fire safety awareness on reserve. Partnerships like the one between INAC and the Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada help emergency management efforts on reserve ensure effective preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.”

Yvonne Jones,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Quick facts

• The 2016-2021 Joint First Nations Fire Protection Strategy focuses on four pillars: Partnership for First Nation Fire Protection, Fire Prevention Programs, Community Standards, and Fire Service Operational Standards.
• The BeFireSafe calendar features artwork submitted from Indigenous students from preschool to Grade 12 to AFAC’s annual Fire Safety Multimedia and Poster Contest.
• The BeFireSafe videos highlight the importance of fire safety by addressing fire pit safety, kitchen safety and the safe use and storage of chemicals in and around the home.

Additional links

• Joint First Nations Fire Protection Strategy (2016-2021)
• Kitchen Safety video
• Fire Pit Safety video
• Flammable Product Safety video
• AFAC Multimedia and Poster Contest
• AFAC Fire Prevention and Education
• INAC Fire Education and Prevention

Contacts

Blaine Wiggins
Executive Director
Aboriginal Firefighters’ Association of Canada
info@afac-acpi.ca
250-267-2579

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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