The Mount Forest Kin Club received a prestigious Fire Safety Award from the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council at a ceremony on June 26 at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
The annual Fire Safety Awards recognize outstanding contributions to fire protection and prevention in Ontario.
When the Wellington North Fire Service saw an advertisement for an inflatable fire escape planning house, they were intrigued with the idea the house could be filled with synthetic smoke to create a realistic environment in which children and families could practise their escape plans.
The three-room house also could be inflated in minutes and be set up outside or inside gyms, community centres and arenas.
Wellington North Fire Service immediately recognized the benefits of this educational tool and resolved to purchase one, the first of its kind in Ontario.
The Mount Forest Kin Club is a service club in the Mount Forest area whose mission is to contribute to a safe and healthy community.
With similar goals, the fire department initiated a meeting with the Mount Forest Kin Club in the hopes of procuring a contribution toward the $11,000 cost of the inflatable house.
Following a brief presentation, the Mount Forest Kin Club made the decision to fund the entire cost of the house.
“As a result of the generosity of the Mount Forest Kin Club, families in Wellington North and area can enjoy a unique educational experience at schools, fall fairs, festivals and other community events,” said Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal. “And to further the spirit of generosity through which this tool was acquired, Wellington North Fire Service has offered the use of the house to neighbouring fire departments.” “This house is a large piece of the pie for fire escape training” said Jason Benn, fire prevention/public education officer of the Wellington North Fire Service. “Without their help, this type of training could not be done. I am so glad that the Kin Club received the award.”
