Enbridge Gas Ontario and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) have been making the rounds donating smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to local fire departments.
The Safe Community Project Zero initiative has seen over 115,000 alarms provided to Ontario fire departments in the past 17 years.
This year, Enbridge invested $450,000 toward the initiative, that will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario
The Warwick Fire Department received 96 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on November 6.
Pictured L-R: Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director - Fire Safety Council; Suzanne Shea - Manager, Municipal and Stakeholder Affairs; Mayor R. Brad Loosley - Town of Petrolia; Fire Chief for Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire, Director of Public Safety - Rick Cousins; Darlene Babula - Executive Administrative Assistant for Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire; Rick Charlebois, Town of Petrolia Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer; Jayla Saunders, Town of Petrolia Financial Analyst. Submitted.
Chief Brad Goodhill said prevention is paramount.
"Early detection of carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke through properly installed alarms is vital for protecting the lives and property of our citizens," Goodhill said. "We are very grateful for this partnership with Enbridge and the FMPFSC which allows us to provide these alarms to the people of our community who really need them."
At the end of November the St. Clair Township Fire Department received 186 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and on December 1 the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department received 114.
Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department Chief Rick Cousins said smoke and CO alarms are the first line of defense in fire escape planning.
"Properly installed and maintained, they play a vital role in reducing fire related deaths, injuries and property damage," Cousins said.
Pictured L-R: St. Clair Township Fire Chief Richard Boyes; Councillor Cathy Langis; Mayor Jeff Agar; Greg Snow, Supervisor, Plant Mechanic, Enbridge Gas; Chris Young, Supervisor, Capital Management & Administration, Enbridge Gas; Councillor Holly Foster; Deputy Mayor Steve Miller; Councillor Pat Brown; and Deputy Fire Chief Andrew McMillan. Submitted.
Enbridge Gas Municipal and Stakeholder Engagement Advisor Megan Shannon said carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called the silent killer.
"Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure," said Shannon. "We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes."
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, updates to the Ontario Fire Code will require additional CO alarms in all residential spaces with potential sources of the deadly gas.