Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

This week marks the return of Fire Prevention Week, a fitting time for all of us to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of our regional volunteer firefighters in carrying out their mandate to serve as guardians of our respective communities in the Smoky River region. The 2007 Fire Prevention Week campaign runs from Oct. 7 to 13 and focuses on the theme of: “It’s Fire Prevention Week, Practice Your Escape Plan.” Statistics provide a clear picture The numbers are staggering… homes account for 63 percent of all fire deaths and 60 percent of all fire injuries. That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is focused on homes and the importance of getting out alive. “Plan your escape” not only includes how to exit a home safely; it also focuses on the importance of creating and regularly practicing an escape plan. On average there are 5,800 fires a year reported in Alberta to the Fire Commissioner’s Office. These fires result in 33 deaths, 312 injuries, and more than $300 million in property losses. Homes account for 28 per cent of all fires, 63 per cent of all fire deaths, 60 per cent of all fire injuries, and 30 per cent of all property losses due to fire in Alberta. Most home fires start in the kitchen area. Other common areas of fire origin are bedrooms, living rooms, exterior walls, laundry area and heating equipment room. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Alberta. Approximately 35 per cent of cooking fires involve overheated cooking oil igniting in a pot or pan while frying. Smoking-related fires are the second most common type of home fire that account for the highest number of fire deaths. Leading the way as the number one cause of death in home fires is smoke inhalation. Smoke has toxic gases such carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, etc. that can be lethal. Early detection of smoke during a fire and sounding an alarm by a smoke alarm can provide valuable life-saving seconds to escape from a building. In addition, a well-practised fire escape plan will enable everyone to escape quickly and safely. Most fire deaths occur with people who are asleep at the time of the fire. An early warning from a smoke alarm could save lives. A well-practised fire escape plan can also enable people to know what to do during a fire emergency. In some fires, such as those involving cooking, the victim is close at hand and awake. Using safe methods to put a fire out and/or escape can save lives in such fires. Fast facts about fire in Alberta . On average there are 5,800 fires reported to the Alberta Fire Commissioner each year. . These fires result in an average of 33 deaths, 312 injuries and $300 million in direct property loss. . 30 per cent of all property losses are due to fires happening in the home. . Most home fires start in the kitchen due to unattended cooking. . Other common areas of fire origin are bedrooms, living rooms, exterior walls, laundry area and heating equipment rooms. . Careless smoking is the number one cause of home fire deaths. . Seniors have the highest risk of dying in a home fire in Alberta. Let’s all work together to reduce these alarming statistics by practicing a fire escape plan with our family and taking preventative measures to reduce the potential risks.

Copyright © 2002 Smoky River Express. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster