Safe Community Project Zero Comes to SWOX

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 16:16

Education continues to be shared regarding the importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

SOUTH-WEST OXFORD - A partnership has formed between three groups.

Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services will be working together in order to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. The Township of South-West Oxford Fire & Emergency Services received 132 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. Supervisor of Operations with Enbridge Gas, Luc Cormier, shares the importance of alarms.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killer. Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC, Jon Pegg, weighs in with his thoughts.

“Each day, fire departments focus their efforts on educating the public about the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most. It is a program that not only helps fire departments raise awareness about the legal requirement to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in all Ontario homes, but also reinforces the critical role they play in saving lives.”

And lastly, Fire Chief Shane Caskanette knows this partnership will go a long way.

“We are very fortunate to receive the Project Zero grant of over $12,000 in combination smoke and CO alarms, and to partner with Enbridge and the Fire Marshal’s Pubic Fire Safety Council, and South-Western Public Health, to assist in distributing them to families in need in our community this holiday season. We would like to thank the Fire Marshals Public Fire Safety Council and Enbridge for their generous donation, which is very timely and will help those in need comply with new changes to CO legislated requirements commencing January 1st, 2026.”

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.