CHATHAM-KENT (September 22, 2023) – Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue crews returned to the area of St. George and Park Street yesterday to complete an After the Fire Reassurance Campaign. Firefighters responded to a tragic fire incident on Tuesday, where 4 people were taken to hospital and one person died at the scene.
Pumper 1, Ladder 2, Command 1, and Support 1 lined the streets of Chatham’s East Side, while a dozen firefighters went door-to-door offering support, talking about fire safety, and completing CHiRP Home Safety Checks.
“The tragic events of Tuesday night not only remind us of the dangers of fires in the home but also the impacts it has on families and communities,” explains Fire Chief Chris Case. “We wanted to return to the area to provide support and reassurance to the community – answering questions, providing advice, and most importantly offering home safety checks. The response from the community was overwhelming and we will continue to work in all communities in Chatham-Kent to protect homes.”
Crews visited ten city blocks of homes and completed almost 60 CHiRP Checks. They tested and checked hundreds of alarms - replacing and installing fifty-nine new working smoke alarms and 7 CO alarms.
“Residents who were not home at the time of our visit were left with a CHiRP doorhanger with our contact information,” explains Community Safety Officer Whitney Burk. “They are encouraged to contact us, and we can book a time to come back and check their alarms.”
Have a question about fire safety or to book a CHIRP Home Alarm Check, visit ckfire.ca, or email ckfire@chatham-kent.ca or call us at 519-360-1998.
