Earlier this year, NFPA® awarded Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ryan Schell of the Central York Fire Services with the Bringing Safety Home award. Presented annually by NFPA and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) to honor fire safety advocates who diligently promote the importance of installed home fire sprinklers, Schell was the first Canadian fire service member to receive the award.
The award included a $1,000 stipend to support community outreach. With characteristic commitment, Schell used his stipend to produce an impactful home fire sprinkler educational video. In collaboration with Professor Scott Pugsley of Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology, the 6-minute video, titled “Living With Home Fire Sprinklers One Year Later,” focuses on a new Ontario subdivision that is completely sprinklered.
In the video, residents share what it’s like to live with home fire sprinklers while Schell and Pugsley provide additional information about the life-saving technology. “Fire sprinklers not only protect you but also your family and firefighters in the event of an emergency,” Schell says.
Resident testimonials bring a relatable consumer value to the video. The residents describe the peace of mind that comes with knowing their homes are equipped with this critical safety technology. One recognized, for example, feeling safer when they are sleeping, especially if there were to be a fire on a different floor of their home.
These personal stories, layered with facts and visual demonstrations, will contribute to and support broader community home fire sprinkler engagement. The video builds trust and encourages all homeowners to consider the value of installing sprinklers in their own homes.
Schell’s impressive video couldn’t come soon enough. Ontario experienced 121 fire-related deaths last year, with the majority occurring in homes. In response, Central York Fire Services has been at the forefront of varied efforts to reduce similar tragedies. This video will be a vital educational tool for that community going forward.
This Central York Fire Services community effort is precisely the outcome the Bringing Safety Home award was designed to achieve. The resources provided by the award enabled Schell to extend his reach in cooperation with local partners, creating a tool that will inform and inspire indefinitely. This effort underscores the importance of continued advocacy for home fire sprinklers and the profound impact that dedicated fire safety leaders can have on their communities.
As we look back on the progress made in Central York, it is clear that their work goes beyond protecting homes—they are safeguarding lives. The story of this fire district is one of determination and the unwavering belief that every home should be a haven from the threat of fire. With the leadership of Chief Schell and the support provided by the Bringing Safety Home award, more families in Central York will gain critical knowledge about the life-saving benefits of home fire sprinklers.
More information about the benefits of home fire sprinklers can be found at homefiresprinkler.org.