The Oakville Fire Department invites the community to its annual Fire Prevention Week Kickoff event on September 21, 2024, featuring rescue demonstrations, fire safety activities, and free hot dogs.
This free event is an effort to raise awareness about the importance of working smoke alarms and other fire safety practices.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakville Fire training campus at 1144 South Service Road West. This is a free event and registration is not required.
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 6 to 12 and this year’s national theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You” which aims to educate the public about the importance of working smoke alarms.
This year’s event includes exciting rescue demonstrations, the junior firefighter challenge and other activities including a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, inflatable air rides, a smoke room simulator, the junior firefighter water squirt, and fire safety games.
"Learning about smoke alarm installation and testing is key to fire safety —we know that fire prevention can save lives," said Oakville Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault.
"Join our event where fire crews will share valuable fire safety information to keep you and your families safe and be sure to participate in Test Your Smoke Alarm Day where a small action can improve our community’s resilience."
The event is made possible by McDonald's Restaurants Dorval Crossing who will provide free hot dogs, and funding support from RioCan Oakville Place, Oakville Parent-Child Centre. The public is advised to bring a refillable water bottle to use at water stations throughout the location.
Free parking and shuttle bus service, provided by Oakville Transit, will be available at the Bronte GO. The last shuttle will leave the Bronte GO at 2:45 p.m.
Parking at the training campus is reserved for people with limited mobility or medical conditions. Parking enforcement for South Service Road will also be in effect so residents are encouraged to access the free parking and shuttle service.
Service animals are welcome, while pets are asked to please stay home.
"Come ignite your awareness of fire safety at our Fire Prevention Week Kickoff on September 21 —where fun meets fire safety in a dynamic day of activities that will not only entertain but empower everyone to prevent fires in their own home," said Mayor Rob Burton.