Fire Departments

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

Waterloo announces new fire chief
From: City of Waterloo News Releases

(Waterloo, ON – Aug. 30, 2010) The City of Waterloo is pleased to announce that Lyle Quan has accepted the position of general manager of protective services and fire chief for the City of Waterloo.

Quan comes to Waterloo from Guelph Emergency Services – Fire/Ambulance. As the deputy fire chief of administration, he was responsible for the administration of fire prevention, community relations and communications and the department’s budget. He also oversaw the county’s land ambulance service and the operations of a bordering volunteer fire department. Prior to joining fire service in 1987, Quan was a police officer for several years.

During a career in emergency services which has spanned over 26 years, Quan has served on many committees including executive member of the local firefighters’ union and member of the local College Program Advisory Committee for the Ontario Firefighter’s Curriculum.

“This has been a thorough recruitment process, and I am pleased and excited to welcome Chief Quan to our City. He joins an outstanding group of professionals who provide a tremendous value to our community,” said Mayor Brenda Halloran.

“I’m also grateful to acting general manager and fire chief Larry Brassard, who has done a tremendous job managing protective services over the past eight months, not only with the day to day operations, but through the management of a number of key initiatives including the upcoming grand opening of our newest fire station on University Avenue near RIM Park.”

Quan – who begins his new role on September 20, 2010 - is a graduate of Dalhousie’s Fire Service Leadership and Fire Service Administration programs and has a Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Services from Lakeland College.

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[UrbanWaterloo]

Fire Prevention Week 2010 and the Great Canadian Fire Drill
October 4, 2010 | City of Waterloo | Link

Fire Prevention Week 2010 is Oct. 3-9, and this year’s theme is Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With.

“This is a perfect opportunity to remind homeowners to have working smoke alarms on each storey and outside all sleeping areas,” said Waterloo Fire Rescue public education officer John Percy.

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, change the batteries at least once a year and replace the alarms after 10 years with new ones.

Waterloo Fire Rescue officials will spread the word about fire safety by visiting locals schools during Fire Prevention Week. They will also deliver this message on Oct. 9 at Conestoga Mall, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and at Home Depot, 600 King St. N., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Great Canadian Fire Drill is a national challenge to Canadian families from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. The goal is to encourage everyone to participate in a home fire drill during the month of October. Waterloo Fire Rescue invites families to register for this nation-wide public safety campaign at www.safeathome.ca/drill to be eligible to win prizes.

“Having a family home escape plan and practicing it will help everyone get out safely in a fire,” Percy added.

For more information on fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at www.waterloo.ca/fire.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Kitchener Firefighters Start Youth Pipes-and-Drums Program
October 8, 2010 | City of Kitchener | Link

The Kitchener Fire Department and the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters Association is forming a new program designed to introduce the bagpipes and drums to children aged five to 16.

The Kitchener Fire Pipes and Drums, a ceremonial band, has formed a youth program for children, and is holding an information session with band members and the fire chief on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. at Kitchener Fire Headquarters, 270 Strasburg Road. The information session is free of charge.

The program focuses on learning to play the instruments and discusses the uniform, marching and band drill.

“There is no program like this available to our youth in the Kitchener-Waterloo area,” said Tim Beckett, Kitchener fire chief. “This is a great opportunity to get youth involved with the community, and to build a long-lasting relationship to music and to our Fire Pipes and Drums band.”

The band will also be making appearances throughout Oktoberfest opening weekend at the Fire Fighters Memorial park on Saturday, Oct. 9, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade on Monday, Oct. 11, followed by performances at the Lions Club Family Day at Queensmont Arena.

The Kitchener Fire Pipes and Drums was formed in 2009, with the assistance and participation of the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Waterloo Fire Rescue encourages residents to be fire safe this holiday season
December 13, 2010 | City of Waterloo | Link

Waterloo Fire Rescue is urging families to be especially vigilant about fire safety over the holiday season, which is one of the deadliest times of the year for home fires.

“This is a very busy time for many people and it’s easy to get distracted or forgetful,” said fire Chief Lyle Quan. “All it takes is for a pot to be left on the stove, or a candle left burning unattended, and a family’s holiday celebrations can go up in smoke.”

“I would also like to remind everyone about the law requiring smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas,” Quan added. “Take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms and install new batteries, if needed.”

Enjoy a fire safe holiday season by following these tips:

• Cooking is a major cause of home fires, so don’t leave the kitchen if there’s something cooking on the stove. If a pot catches fire, don’t try to move it. Cover the pot with a lid to smother the flames and turn off the burner.
• If the smoke alarm activates when you’re cooking, do not remove the batteries. Try moving the smoke alarm or install an alarm with a hush feature.
• Lit candles should be placed in sturdy candleholders that won’t tip and covered with a glass shade. Candles should be situated away from children, pets and any combustible items.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Drink responsibly and keep an eye on those who do not. Excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor in many residential fires.
• Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup from inefficient combustion. Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to alert you to the presence of this deadly gas. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside all sleeping areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement location of CO alarms.
• Install working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. It’s the law! Failure to comply with the smoke alarm law can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000.

For more information on fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at www.waterloo.ca/fire.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

Waterloo Fire Rescue reminds homeowners to clear the snow from fire hydrants
February 3, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link

Waterloo Fire Rescue is asking homeowners to clear the snow away from fire hydrants following yesterday’s heavy snowfall.

“It’s also important to ensure there’s one metre of clearance around fire hydrants so they are readily visible and accessible for firefighters at all times,” said public education officer John Percy.

Homeowners should clear snow from exits in their homes and ensure their house number is visible from the street. Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow to reduce the risk of carbon-monoxide buildup from inefficient combustion.

Important reminders for business and property owners:

• Fire access routes must be free of snow and ice at all times and maintained so they are always ready for use by fire department vehicles.
• All exits and fire escapes must be kept clear of snow, ice or any obstructions.
• Keep fire department sprinkler and standpipe connections free of snow buildup and visible and accessible by firefighters.
• Have working smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide alarms in your home.
• Have a home fire-escape plan for you and your family and make sure to practice it so you are prepared in the event of a fire.

For more information on fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at www.waterloo.ca/fire.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Kitchener mourns the loss of fire captain
March 29, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link

The City of Kitchener and the Kitchener fire department are mourning the loss of Fire Captain Bill Duncan, who passed away on Friday after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. Captain Duncan, who was 56 years old, will receive full fire department honours at his funeral, which will take place this Saturday, April 2, at 4 p.m., at Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener.

In recognition of Captain Duncan’s sacrifice and many years of service to our community, flags at all Kitchener fire halls have been lowered to half mast. Flags at all city facilities will be lowered to half mast the day of his funeral.

"Bill will be missed at the city, particularly among his fire department colleagues, for his steady and balanced outlook and his dedication to service," said Mayor Carl Zehr.

"Bill was a valuable member of the Kitchener fire department,” added Kitchener Fire Chief Tim Beckett. “He had great leadership both as a company officer and as the union president. He brought about a balance of doing things right and doing the right things."

Captain Duncan began his career with the Kitchener fire department in 1977, obtaining the rank of captain in 1993. He also served as the president of the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Despite his illness, Captain Duncan did what he did best - he continued to live life well, traveling with family and friends, spending time on the boat with his wife, children and grandchildren, swinging his golf clubs, watching his Toronto Maple Leafs play and spending time with those that meant the most to him.

"Bill was a good friend who was dedicated to his family, his profession as a firefighter and the members of our association,” said Steve Jones, president of the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters Association. “He will be truly missed but not forgotten by his firefighting family."

[UrbanWaterloo]

Ontario Proposes to Allow Retirement of Firefighters At 60
McGuinty Government Recognizing Commitment To Service And Hazardous Work
April 18, 2011 | Government of Ontario | Link

Ontario has introduced legislation that would, if passed, allow mandatory retirement at age 60 for the province's salaried firefighters.

Recognizing the unique physical and hazardous work firefighters do to keep communities safe, the proposed changes to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 2011 would standardize the retirement age across the province.

Most municipalities already include a mandatory retirement age for firefighters in their collective agreement. The proposed legislation would, if passed, provide other municipalities two years to negotiate a new retirement provision.

The changes would only apply to salaried firefighters who respond to emergency calls.

A motion calling on the government to allow mandatory retirement of firefighters at age 60 was unanimously passed in the Legislature on March 10, 2011.

Quick Facts

• The average retirement age for a professional firefighter in the province of Ontario is 57.
• If passed, the proposed legislation would also allow firefighters who believe their local association is not representing them fairly, to take their complaints to the Ontario Labour Relations Board - as is the practice with other unions.
• Human Rights Tribunals have generally upheld mandatory retirement for firefighters, based on the nature of the work firefighters do.

Quotes

"The salaried firefighters who keep our families and homes safe do so with great bravery and dedication, and deserve our utmost respect. I am pleased to introduce this legislation that recognizes their years of selfless service and the hazardous nature of the work."
– Charles Sousa, Minister of Labour

"We rely on our firefighters to keep Ontario's families safe, and now we are acting to recognize their health and safety needs."
– Jim Bradley, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

[UrbanWaterloo]

Waterloo Fire Chief Challenges Citizens to be Prepared
April 20, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link

Waterloo’s fire chief, Lyle Quan invites the community to be prepared by participating in the Emergency Preparedness Challenge. This challenge is a provincial initiative aimed at encouraging Ontarians to learn more about preparedness in the event of an emergency. The challenge takes place throughout the month of May coinciding with Emergency Preparedness Week, May 1-7, 2011.

“Although we are fortunate to have an excellent emergency management program in place here in Waterloo, we count on the community to do their part in the event of a crisis when emergency services may be stressed. While the need may never arise, families should be prepared to take care of themselves for three days,” said Quan.

The Emergency Preparedness Challenge will run from April 29th to May 31st, 2011 and individuals can take part in the Challenge by visiting www.ontario.ca/beprepared. The Challenge will have three categories of entry – children, youth and adults – and will consist of answering five, age-appropriate multiple-choice questions. The Challenge is open to all residents on Ontario ages seven and older.

“Emergency preparedness is very important,” said Jamie Zimmerman, deputy fire chief and community emergency management coordinator, Waterloo Fire Rescue. “Our goal is that every household in Waterloo is prepared with a 72-hour emergency survival kit and a household emergency plan.”

Emergency Preparedness Week is a Canada-wide initiative to increase awareness about individual and family preparedness. One of the goals of Emergency Preparedness Week is to teach the public how to reduce the risks and consequences of an emergency by being better prepared. Throughout the Week, Ontario residents are encouraged to identify and learn about risks in their communities and how they can protect themselves.

During this week a display will be setup in the ground floor foyer of City Hall where residents can enter a ballot to win an emergency survival kit.

For more information on the Emergency Preparedness Challenge please visit: www.ontario.ca/beprepared.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Waterloo ratifies agreement with firefighters
May 2, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link

The City of Waterloo has ratified a labour agreement with the Waterloo Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (WPFFA) that covers the period of Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2011.

“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached with the WPFFA,” said Mayor Brenda Halloran. “Members of this association provide an invaluable service to this community. Their level of dedication to their duties is second to none.”

The WPFFA, which represents 125 firefighters, fire prevention officers and municipal building officials, and the city have been actively negotiating these terms since the previous collective agreement expired in 2009.

Consistent with current municipal emergency-services bargaining trends, firefighter salary increases match those of their counterparts in police services. The new agreement includes competitive wage increases of 3.601 per cent for 2009, three per cent for 2010, two per cent as of Jan. 1, 2011 and 0.9 per cent as of July 1, 2011 for fire staff. The agreement also contains some minor changes to the benefit plan.

Interim cost-of-living adjustments provided in August 2010 are included in these increases.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Bill Chesney Named as Cambridge Fire Chief
City of Cambridge | May 10, 2011 | Link

Cambridge City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of William (Bill) Chesney as Fire Chief for the Cambridge Fire Department.

Chesney joined the City of Cambridge Fire Department in 1976 as a Firefighter. He spent more than a decade in that role and quickly moved up the ranks. He has held a
number of key positions within the organization including Captain of Fire Suppression, Platoon Chief and most recently Deputy Fire Chief-Administration.

Jim King, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Cambridge, says Chesney brings considerable experience to the position. “He’s got a significant track record with Cambridge.” King notes that Chesney has ushered in important programs such as an internal records management system for training and suppression, and has supported the City’s original certification with Emergency Measures Ontario.

Chesney kicked-off his educational training in 1972 with a certificate in Emergency Care from Conestoga College. He attained a diploma in Fire Protection Technology in 1992. He continued his educational training and specialized in public administration and emergency management having earned certificates from Ryerson and McMaster universities.

“The Cambridge Fire Department’s mission is to save lives, prevent injury and protect property. I am proud to be serving the citizens of Cambridge and the surrounding communities with the help of the dedicated members of the Cambridge Fire Department,” says Chief Chesney.

Chesney succeeds Terry Allen who retired from the position earlier this year.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Pack fire safety into holiday weekend plans
May 16, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries, Waterloo Fire Rescue is urging residents to include fire safety in their Victoria Day weekend plans.

“Fire safety is not just for homes, it’s for cottages, cabins and seasonal homes too,” said fire Chief Lyle Quan. “This weekend, consider purchasing new smoke alarms and batteries in case they need replacing at the cottage and check heating appliances and chimneys before using them.”

This holiday weekend is often the first for people to open up their cottages. Waterloo Fire Rescue recommends the following fire safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your cottage, cabin or seasonal home. It’s the law in Ontario.
• Test smoke alarms to ensure they work. Pack a new smoke alarm and extra batteries for the cottage.
• Make sure that you and your family have a home fire-escape plan. This will help ensure that you know what to do in a fire.
• Clean heating appliances and barbecues before using them. With barbecues remember to apply a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections before using it for the first time this year.
• Make sure that all combustibles, as well as children and pets, are kept well away from barbecues.
• Check with the local fire department, municipality or Ministry of Natural Resources for any restrictions on burning before starting campfires or burning brush.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Neil Main is Cambridge’s New Deputy Fire Chief
August 2, 2011 | City of Cambridge | PDF



Cambridge Fire Chief Bill Chesney is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Main as Deputy Fire Chief for the Cambridge Fire Department effective Monday August 8, 2011.

“It was a very competitive competition for the position,” says Chief Chesney. “There was significant interest from candidates both
internally and externally, and we are happy to welcome Neil to the position. He has an exemplary record with the department and we
are pleased to have him join the management team.” Main is one of two Deputy Fire Chiefs in Cambridge and joins Doug Tennant, the current Deputy Fire Chief-Operations.

Main joined the Cambridge team as a fire fighter in 1989 and held a number of progressively challenging roles within the department including Suppression Captain, Acting Platoon Chief and most recently, Platoon Chief.

“I am pleased to take the reins as the next Deputy Fire Chief,” remarks Neil Main. “I have been part of the team for over two decades
and have held a variety of positions that have prepared me for this new role. It’s an honour serving the people of Cambridge and area.”
A graduate of Dalhousie University, Main also is certified by the Ontario Fire College and has completed the Company Office Diploma Program. He is currently enrolled in the Public Administration and Governance course at Ryerson University.

A resident of Cambridge for most of his life, Main is married with two children and is proud to be part of the local sports scene having served as Coach for Cambridge Minor Soccer, and Trainer for the Minor Hockey and Lacrosse leagues.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Time to change your clocks and the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
November 2, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link

Waterloo Fire Rescue recommends residents replace the old batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks for the end of daylight saving time this weekend.

“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” said public education officer John Percy. “Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks this weekend, Waterloo Fire Rescue wants everyone to take the time to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.”

To survive a fire, you need an early warning signal and the knowledge of what to do when the smoke alarms sound. It’s the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install alarms inside all bedrooms.

Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000.

Waterloo Fire Rescue highly recommends that homeowners have working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes, especially outside the sleeping areas.

For more information on fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at www.waterloo.ca/fire.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Push the Button! campaign
March 05, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link

TVOKids, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Waterloo Fire Rescue are teaming up to raise awareness about testing smoke alarms.

We want as many smoke alarms tested in as many homes in Waterloo as possible between Feb. 27 and March 11. Encourage everyone to Push the Button! and test the smoke alarms in their homes. Kids at home will love the permission to Push the Button! to hear if the alarms are working.

Once they've tested their smoke alarms, kids are encouraged to go to www.tvokids.com and enter into TVOKids interactive smoke alarm the number of alarms they have tested. The number will be added to TVOKids Push the Button! counter.

Please remember that on March 11 we change our clocks to Daylight savings time. This is a perfect time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clock!

Please make sure that you have a home fire-escape plan for you and your family and that you practice it. Plans should include two ways out of every room in a residence.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Remember fire safety during your spring cleanup
April 13, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link

Spring cleaning can seem like a daunting assignment, but a few tasks on the list can help eliminate potential fire hazards to your home.

“As residents are performing their annual spring cleanup, we encourage them to remember fire safety,” said Waterloo Fire Rescue public education officer John Percy. “Following these tips will help reduce the chances of a fire starting inside or outside of your home”.

Beyond the usual tasks such as eliminating unused items, cleaning the garage and starting to work on the garden, don’t ignore these tips to help make your home fire safe:

• Check and clean filters above stove.
• Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils.
• Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, make sure that they operate properly and change the batteries once a year. It’s the law in Ontario to have smoke alarms installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. It’s recommended that you have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas.
• Make sure that you have a home escape plan for your family and that you practice it. Always have two ways out of every room in the home.
• Perform this three-step safety check before you start to use your barbecue for the first time:
  
  • Clean: use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
  • Check: examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.
  • Test: find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts. Always re-test.
• Never store propane cylinders indoors.
• Ensure that the address number at the front of the house is clearly visible from the street.
• Open air burning using solid fuel (such as paper; wood or coal) is not permitted in accordance with the City of Waterloo open burning bylaw #2011-124.

For more information on fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at www.waterloo.ca/fire.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Fire open house provides tips on how to stay safe
City of Kitchener | Link

Kitchener Fire will host its annual open house on Sunday, June 10, inviting residents of all ages to learn about the work of the department and several other emergency services in the community - and how to keep themselves, their families and friends safe.

The event will include:

• Live fire demonstrations
• Fire rescue demonstrations
• Safety displays by the Waterloo regional police, Ontario provincial police, Waterloo regional emergency medical service, Ministry of Transportation, Kitchener public library and more.
• Free home fire extinguisher checks (bring yours!)

Free family fun will include:

• Performance by children’s entertainer Erick Traplin
• Junior firefighter obstacle course
• Firefighter maze
• Fire safety house
• Fire truck display
• Sparky bouncer, mini putt and facepainting

A charity barbeque is also planned.

Following the open house, people are encouraged to head downtown Kitchener to enjoy the King Street Extravaganza, in celebration of the City of Kitchener's centennial.

What: Kitchener Fire open house

Date: Sunday, June 10

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Kitchener Fire headquarters, 270 Strasburg Rd.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Kitchener Fire Annual Open House - June 10, 2012

[UrbanWaterloo]

Ban on open-air burning continues in Kitchener
July 12, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link

As the dry weather conditions continue, so too does the city’s ban on open-air burning.

Kitchener Fire Chief Tim Beckett declared a ban on all open-air burning, including campgrounds, during periods of elevated fire risk. The ban includes outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, manufactured fireplaces, fire pits and all other open burning.

The ban does not include any pressurized fuel fired appliance, such as propane barbecues; as well as purpose built cooking appliances that are equipped with screens or grates as a cooking surface, and where the fuel used is charcoal or charcoal briquettes only, and the charcoal is extinguished when cooking ceases. No exemption will be given for any other solid fuels.

Please note, however, that if the fire department or a city bylaw enforcement officer is called to investigate a complaint, and they find any of the conditions exempted above, yet a manner of operation or circumstances exist that present a risk of fire extending beyond the appliance, they would be authorized to have the fire extinguished.

“We believe this should give enough flexibility to those who may have been anticipating doing some outdoor cooking, yet it still addresses the elevated fire risk in the city,” said Beckett.

Requests for information may be directed to the fire prevention division at 519-741-2495.

[UrbanWaterloo]

HAVE TWO WAYS OUT!
October 9, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link

Public education officer John Percy is urging families in Waterloo to practice their home fire escape plan as part of Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 7 – 13, 2012. This year’s theme is “Have Two Ways Out.” When the smoke alarms sounds, everyone must know where to go – that’s why it is so important for everyone to have working smoke alarms and to develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

“In a fire, you may have only seconds to safely escape your home,” said Percy. “Practice your home fire escape plan and make sure everyone can get out safely.”

Fire and smoke can spread quickly, so be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:

Assess the needs of everyone in your home. Identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults.

Make sure that you have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Make sure everyone in the home recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm.

Identify all possible exits (doors and windows) and make sure they work. Have two ways out of all areas, if possible.

Everyone must know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Assign someone to help those who need assistance. Make sure you identify a safe meeting place outside and call the fire department from a neighbour’s home or cell phone.

Practice your home fire escape plan. Have everyone participate and make changes to your plan if necessary.

During this week Waterloo Fire Rescue will be attending the following venues:

• October 11: afternoon, at Conestoga Mall, outside of Winners
• October 12: afternoon, at Lowe's on Ira Needles Blvd
• October 13: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Home Depot on King St. North. Free fire extinguisher training for the public and come meet the fire department's new mascot, Savatar the Smoke Alarm.

During the week a display will be setup at City Hall in the ground floor main entrance.