Project Zero adds up to fire safety

VANKLEEK HILL | It’s a tag-team effort to help make things safer for the residents of Champlain Township.

Enbridge Gas Distribution is working with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council to help the Champlain Township Fire Department lower the odds on the chances of fire- and carbon monoxide-related deaths occurring within its jurisdiction and also boost the department’s training programs. Enbridge has invested $100,000 each in the Project Zero and Project Assist programs in Ontario and now Champlain Township will receive some of the benefits of those programs with 264 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms made available to the fire department for distribution to homes and also $5000 to help the department buy more education training materials.

“Safety is a priority at Enbridge,” stated Michael Wagle, Enbridge Gas operations director, “and we’re proud to support On- tario firefighters who share in our commitment to help keep our communities safe.”

Project Zero began in 2009, focusing on public education about fire prevention and safety. Now set up in more than 60 Ontario communities, the program is responsible for distributing more than 4500 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to homeowners in 15 municipalities throughout the province.

“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are critical life safety devices,” stated Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal. “They detect Above, L’Orignal firefighter François Bellemare, Office of the Fire Marshal representative Scott Hayes, Vankleek Hill Fire Chief Michel Martin, L’Orignal firefighter Benoît Larocque, Champlain Township Mayor Gary Barton and Enbridge Gas representative Richard Sabourin. Back row : municipal councilors Normand Riopel, Jacques Lacelle, Troy Carkner, Gérard Miner, Pierre Perreault, Bernard Franche, Paul Emile Duval and Helen MacLeod. the presence of smoke and deadly gas and provide those precious seconds for occupants to escape. Everyone needs to have them in their homes.”

Project Assist, set up in 2012, aims at helping supplement existing training programs in communities where Enbridge Gas operates and so far 59 fire departments have benefited from the program.

“Firefighting is a dangerous and unpredictable profession,” stated Wieclawek. “Regular training is an important part of being prepared for any hazardous situation. Enbridge’s Project Assist improves access to training materials for municipal fire departments and positively con- tributes to overall firefighter health and safety.”

“On behalf of the Champlain Fire Department and myself,” said Chief Michel Martin, District 1, “I would like to thank Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Fire Marshall’s Public Fire Safety Council for their support and donation of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. They will be well distributed

amongst the residents of Champlain Town- ship.”

“On behalf of council, fire department, and myself, I would like to thank Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Fire Marshall’s Public Fire Safety Council,” stated Mayor Gary Barton, “for their generosity in providing Champlain Township with smoke/ carbon monoxide detectors, as well as $5000 to assist our firefighters with training materials. Your assistance to our fire chiefs, firefighters, and keeping our citizens safe is most appreciated.”