Media Release: Enbridge Gas teams up with Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department to Reduce Fire...

Media Release: Enbridge Gas teams up with Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths through Safe Community Project Zero

Huntsville, ON – Today, Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) and the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department announced they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department received 186 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) that will provide more than 14,500 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 16 years, the program has provided more than 101,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
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.

“The best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide is to properly maintain fuel-burning equipment,” says Ed Gouweloos, Operations Supervisor - Orillia & Muskoka, Enbridge Gas. “These alarms are a critical second line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning, known as ‘the silent killer’. We’re proud to support our communities, and raise awareness and help Ontarians implement these protection strategies.”

“Across Ontario there is a renewed focus on the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most,” says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC. “It’s a program that helps fire departments educate their communities about the requirements to have working smoke alarms installed in all Ontario homes and for all Ontario homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

“Fire prevention is not just our duty; it’s a shared responsibility. At the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department, we believe that education and awareness are our strongest tools in safeguarding our community. By working together to understand fire hazards and implementing safety measures, we can protect our homes, families and the environment,” says Fire Chief Gary Monahan. “We are incredibly grateful to Enbridge and the FMPFSC for their generous donation through Safe Community Project Zero. This contribution significantly enhances our efforts to protect the residents of Huntsville and Lake of Bays, ensuring their safety and well-being. Thank you for your support and commitment to our community.”

Pictured, from right: Mayor Nancy Alcock, "Ember" the fire safety and support dog, Fire Chief Gary Monahan, Fire Prevention Officer Steve Markham, Ed Gouweloos (Operations Supervisor - Orillia & Muskoka, Enbridge Gas), Deputy Mayor Dan Armour

About the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department
The Huntsville Lake of Bays Fire Department services both Huntsville and Lake of Bays communities. In addition to fire safety and suppression services, the department also provides motor vehicle accident response, water rescue, and emergency medical response. The department’s five areas of responsibility include: emergency response, training, apparatus and equipment maintenance, administration, and fire prevention and education.

About the FMPFSC
The FMPFSC was established in 1993 with a mission to help create “a world where no one is hurt by fire.” Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal, the FMPFSC promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety. Follow the FMPFSC on Twitter @FMPFSC.

About Enbridge Gas
Enbridge Gas is Canada's largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario, with 2023 marking its 175th anniversary of serving customers. The distribution business provides safe, affordable, reliable energy to about 3.9 million customers and is innovating to contribute to a lower-carbon energy future. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest integrated underground storage facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Enbridge Gas is owned by Enbridge (ENB), a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Visit enbridgegas.com to learn more.

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For more information, please contact:

Steve Markham, Fire Prevention Officer
Tel: 705-789-5201
Email: steve.markham@huntsville.ca

Kathy Ash, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
Tel: 1-866-379-6668 ext. 4
Email: kathy.ash@firesafetycouncil.com

Enbridge Gas Media
Email: enbridgegasmedia@enbridge.com