Saugeen Shores firefighters responded to a call at a residence on Parkwood Drive in Port Elgin this afternoon.
Fire Chief Ed Melanson says they were called to investigate smoke coming from the basement of a home.
He says working smoke alarms were key in enabling a quick reaction to the issue.
Melanson says firefighters ventilated the home and their investigation determined the smoke was coming from a furnace motor.
No one was injured, and Melanson doesn’t believe smoke damage will be a significant problem.
He says they responded they way they would to a house fire with a two station response, meaning two rescue trucks went to the scene as well as a two pumper trucks and an aerial truck, as well as firefighters arriving in their own vehicles.
“We had an outstanding response. We have 50 volunteer firefighters in Saugeen Shores and we certainly had 35 firefighters on scene,” says Melanson.
It’s a good turnout for a Wednesday afternoon, and he says, “We’re very lucky in town to have employers that allow their employees to help the community, that’s for sure.”
Melanson says fire prevention measures can go a long way, explaining, “They had working smoke alarms which we’re very appreciative of, and our public education group had just gone through that neighbourhood discussing working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers etc, and they were certainly aware of all of those things.”
He says the department’s public education group is made up of eight volunteers who are not from the fire suppression division, who have started a smoke alarm program and provide education for school-aged children, seniors and at public events.
They also have a door-to-door ‘after the fire program.’ He says, “If there was a fire on your street, you would have a heightened awareness of the possibility it could happen to you. We’ve instituted a program where we hit the streets with the public education group and we answer any questions people may have about fire safety.”
Melanson says when it happens close to them, people are much more receptive to talking about fire safety and planning.
He says while Saugeen Shores does have a Fire Prevention Officer, the public education volunteers are not inspectors or fire prevention officers, and they don’t go around with ticket books, explaining “There are no repercussions to talk to them or show them, we just want them to be safe.”
“We’re trying not to use a stick here, we’re trying to use a carrot,” says Melanson.
Saugeen Shores Fire Departments 1st ever volunteer Public Education Division out conducting an “After the Fire Program” speaking with neighborhood residents after a recent fire. Lots of positive feedback. @SaugeenShoresON pic.twitter.com/dSg0we7qyt
— Saugeen Shores Fire (@SaugeenShoresFD) August 4, 2023
