For Immediate Release
October 7, 2022
Fire won't wait: plan your escape this Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week takes place October 9-15, 2022
Vancouver, BC –With fire-related deaths in BC on the rise, it is more important than ever to plan and practice your home fire escape. During the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is urging the public to create and practice a home fire escape plan with all residents of the home.
From January 1 to June 30, 2022 there were 40 fire related deaths in BC as reported to the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner. This number is concerningly high for the first half of the year. In 2021 there were 59 fire related deaths in total.
“Working smoke alarms and home fire escape planning saves lives. Practice your escape and test your smoke alarms monthly, ensuring to replace the alarm if it is not working or is more than 10 years old,” says Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Today’s home fires burn hotter and faster than ever before due to flammable materials in the home. In the case of a home fire, residents could have less than two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
The Burn Fund has once again partnered with the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner and other fire service partners to host the annual Fire Prevention Week Contest. To promote this year’s theme of “Fire won’t wait: plan your escape,” students from kindergarten to Grade 12 are encouraged to enter by creating a home fire escape plan and filling out the ballot.
The goal of the contest is to educate the next generation on the topic of fire prevention, helping to save lives and prevent painful burn injuries. The deadline is November 4, 2022 and all information can be found at www.gov.bc.ca/FirePreventionWeek.
Fire Prevention Week Tips:
Know what to do when you hear the alarm sounds and have a plan in place.
Plan and practice your home escape with all members of your household.
Know how long it takes you to get out and know two ways out of your home.
Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund at @BCBurnFund.
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Interview Opportunity: Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator for the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund and retired Kelowna Fire Fighter.
About the Burn Fund:
Established in 1978 by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is supported by more than 4,000 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in BC and the Yukon. These fire fighters donate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They also work to increase the public's knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund Executive and Board of Directors are represented by professional fire fighters, medical staff, and volunteers from across BC.
Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @BCBurnFund
MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund
P: 778.789.0820
E: communications@burnfund.org