Fire Prevention Week off to a Roaring Start

The unmistakable roar of fire trucks, parading along Barrington Street in Halifax, will signal the start of Fire Prevention Week on Sunday, Oct. 4.

The procession of fire trucks and fire service personnel --and, of course, fire dog mascot Sparky --will culminate in a service at the Grand Parade at 2 p.m. During the service, medals will be presented to firefighters from across the province. The service is jointly sponsored by the Department of Labour, Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Nova Scotia Fire Officers Association.

"This year will mark the first time Nova Scotia has held an official launch for Fire Prevention Week," said Fire Marshal Bob Cormier. "This kickoff, organized by provincial and municipal officials as well as the fire officers' association, has a dual purpose: to honour firefighters across the province and to get Nova Scotians thinking about fire prevention on Oct. 4 and all year long."

This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10 with the theme: Fire Drills: The Great Escape! This awareness week always includes Oct. 9, the date in 1871 on which, according to legend, Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern in the shed and started the Chicago fire that burned 17,450 buildings, caused $196 million in damage, killed 250 people, and left nearly 100,000 homeless.

"We are fortunate to never have had a fire that size here in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Cormier. "But we consider all fires preventable and even one fatality an avoidable tragedy. Fire Prevention Week is a time to renew our commitment to reducing fire's impact on our communities."

The fire marshal's annual report for 1997 shows that fire claimed 15 lives and injured 56 in Nova Scotia, including 31 firefighters. More than 2,000 reported fires caused about $26.4 million damage. That is a per capita loss of $35.68. Leading causes of fire were heating equipment, smoking materials, open flames, electrical equipment, and cooking equipment.

"Each and every Nova Scotian should be educated to prevent fire and to escape its path," said Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon.
"If a fire breaks out, people can take comfort in the fact that there are thousands of men and women across the province trained in firefighting and rescue.

"Without the efficient and effective intervention of Nova Scotia's fire service, the loss of life and property and damage would be far greater. I would like to thank the people of this province who assist in fire prevention and protection and who support their local fire service."

Each fire department marks Fire Prevention Week with special events in its community. Along with the Fire Marshal's Office and municipal officials, they are also promoting a provincewide fire drill on Wednesday, Oct. 7.