CHiRP Day promotes fire safety in Chatham-Kent

In an effort to promote fire safety, CHiRP Day took to the streets in Chatham-Kent on Saturday.

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Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue firefighters from all 19 stations, along with community partners, visited homes to raise awareness and ask residents to check their alarms.

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“We have seen the tragedy of someone losing their life in a house fire in the past few weeks and we will do whatever we can to prevent this happening again,” Chief Chris Case said in a release.

“We know a residence is significantly safer after a visit from our firefighters and we would rather come to your home bringing a home safety check than a hose line.”

In September, a multiplex fire on St. George Street in Chatham claimed a man’s life and sent four people to hospital.

Three days later, a house fire in Wallaceburg resulted in one person taken to hospital.

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The CHiRP program provides residents with fire safety education, while checking, testing and replacing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“CHiRP home safety checks are simple, effective, and free. Firefighters will come into your home, check your alarms, and replace them, if necessary,” said Whitney Burk, public information officer.

“We will chat about fire safety, escape planning, and answer any questions you may have. The entire process takes less than 10 to 15 minutes and then you know you and your family are protected from fire and carbon monoxide.”

Anyone who wishes to have a home safety check can request one by visiting ckfire.ca or calling 519-360-1998.

Firefighters have been promoting the event by visiting schools across the municipality this month. As part of Fire Prevention Week, they’ve also handed out swag items and educated students about fire safety.

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