The Perth East Fire Department is launching a major farm fire safety program after the township experienced over $10 million in farm fire losses in the past five years.
The program, called "Building a Farm Fire Safe Community," is also being launched in Perth South.
The first year will include farm fire safety videos, direct mail campaigns, presentations, and customized farm fire safety planning.
The Fire Chief for Perth East and West Perth, Bill Hunter, says the dollar loss doesn't include the loss of livelihood, or the emotional devastation a fire can cause.
Tradition Mutual Insurance Company, North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, South Easthope Mutual Insurance Company and the Perth-Huron Insurance Brokers Association have signed on as Gold Sponsors and official partners in farm fire safety. He says, "With these kinds of statistics, it is imperative for our fire department to ramp up its focus on keeping the farming community safe from fire. Education programs like this are key to making that happen.”
Chief Hunter continues,“Perth County is largely a farming community. If we can reduce the risk of fire and provide farm families with solid fire safety education, it’s a win-win for everyone.”
