The Oakville Fire Department is inviting residents to have fun while learning about fire safety at the annual Fire Prevention Week kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakville Fire training campus at 1144 South Service Rd.
The kickoff will feature rescue demonstrations, the junior firefighter challenge, 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 in a news release.
“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.”
Fire Prevention week runs from Oct. 6 to Oct. 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.
Organizers said the kickoff event is made possible by McDonalds Restaurants Dorval Crossing, which will provide free hot dogs, and funding support from RioCan Oakville Place, and the Oakville Parent-Child Centre.
Members of the public are advised to bring refillable water bottles 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.
Organizers said service animals are welcome, but residents are asked to leave their pets at home.
During the event residents will also be reminded that Saturday, Sept. 28 is Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.
This initiative began in 2023 in response to that year’s 133 fire fatalities in Ontario.
As part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, all Ontarians are encouraged to test their smoke alarms using the test button to make sure everyone in the home recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.