Chatham-Kent fire officials know a recent fire in Wallaceburg highlights the importance of apartment fire safety.
On Tuesday. fire crews recovered one body in a Nelson St. apartment blaze. Coincidentally, Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services unveiled their apartment fire education program the next day.
"In the case of a fire, it's a brutal scene: firefighters and trucks outside," says Assistant Fire Chief Chris Case. "It's left with the remains of a burned-out apartment which the community sees for many days and weeks afterwards, and just reinforces the tragedy. We're working to keep that from happening, before the fires start."
CK firefighters will be visiting apartment buildings in Chatham and Wallaceburg starting in November, giving landlords and residents tips on what to do if a fire is sparked. As Whitney Burk explains, sometimes the safest thing to do is stay put.
Public Educator Whitney Burke days sometimes the safest thing to do is stay where you are #ck pic.twitter.com/4qkzDMjPIR
— Jake Kislinsky (@Jake_Kislinsky) September 28, 2016
In the end, there is still one person dead after Tuesday's incident in Wallaceburg.
"When we see a tragedy in our community, it just doubles our resolve to carry on with campaigns such as this, and make sure our community is safe," adds Case.
The assistant fire chief says Chatham-Kent fire officials will continue to work with Ontario Fire Marshal staff. They're expected to continue their investigation at the Nelson St. location for several days.
