The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from October 9 to 15. Its theme is "Use Candles with Care: When you go out, blow out!" The aim is to increase awareness and reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities caused by the negligent use of candles. "Many house fires are started by candles, especially during the holiday season," said Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "These tragedies could easily be avoided. I challenge Canadians to ensure they use candles safely and to teach their children to do the same." Among the most common causes of candle fires are leaving candles unattended, falling asleep while a candle is lit and using candles for light. A simple safety measure is always to blow out candles when leaving a room unattended. In case of a blackout, it is good safety to use a battery-powered light source rather than candles. Other dangers include locating candles too close to flammable objects or in a spot where children or pets might knock them over. Accidents will be avoided if candles are kept away from items that can catch fire, and placed out of the reach of children and pets. Another good practice is to use a proper candle holder that is big enough to collect dripping wax. The candle should be firmly seated in the holder so that it will not tip over, and the holder should be placed on a level surface. "Fires in homes are still a major concern," said Fire Prevention Canada's current President, Tom Makey. "The common causes are well known, and the ways to prevent or detect fires are simple. Pay attention to the messages from your fire department and stay safe." The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada promotes and encourages compliance with national and international fire protection standards within the federal government and First Nations communities. All levels of government and all Canadians share responsibility for protecting people from the consequences of fire. First observed in Canada 86 years ago, Fire Prevention Week reminds Canadians of the need to remain alert and responsive to the dangers of fire. Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2005 Fire Prevention Week is the annual focal point for fire prevention activities sponsored by Fire Prevention Canada and federal, provincial and municipal fire services. Fire Prevention Week was first observed in Canada in 1919. It is timed on the recommendation of both Canadian and American fire prevention authorities to commemorate the Great Fire of Chicago, which killed 300 people and destroyed 17,430 buildings on October 9, 1871. This tragedy, together with the blaze on Parliament Hill in February 1916, helped to increase awareness of fire prevention in Canada. Each year, the Governor General of Canada signs the Fire Prevention Week Proclamation, which is published in the Canada Gazette. The Proclamation reminds Canadians of the need to remain vigilant and responsive to the dangers of fire. The Governor General is Honorary Patron of Fire Prevention Canada, a non-profit organization founded in 1976. With its parent organizations - the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs - Fire Prevention Canada works with the public and private sectors to achieve fire safety through education. It develops educational and promotional materials for use by Canadian fire services and the public throughout the year and during Fire Prevention Week. It also organizes and coordinates the national launch of Fire Prevention Week in the National Capital Region. The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada supports Fire Prevention Canada and its public education activities. Canada has 14 federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions responsible for fire safety legislation. In addition, municipalities have fire safety by-laws. The details of fire safety legislation may vary from one jurisdiction to another, but the aim remains the same: to protect the lives and property of Canadians. The Labour Program, with support from its regional offices, is responsible for administering, enforcing and promoting the Treasury Board policy and standards on fire risk management, as well as codes and regulations dealing with fire prevention under the Canada Labour Code. With support from its regional offices, the Program works mainly to protect buildings under federal jurisdiction, Public Service employees and First Nations communities. Saturday, October 15, is designated Fire Service Recognition Day in appreciation of the many contributions that Canada's fire services make to our society.
