Ladysmith Fire/Rescue members were recently called out to a home where the occupant was awoken by a smoke detector and a house full of smoke. The occupant and the structure are OK, but this is a strong reminder about the value of a working smoke alarm.
Providing smoke detectors to Ladysmith residents is an important part of Ladysmith Fire/Rescue’s fire prevention work, and the fire department will be able to make an even bigger impact with that work thanks to support from Island Savings Credit Union.
Fire Chief Ray Delcourt explained that Ladysmith Fire/Rescue asked Island Savings to join the fire department in the promotion of smoke detection in town by providing free smoke detectors.
“We’re very appreciative,” he said. “We’re also hand-in-hand partners with our car seat program.”
Island Savings donated a $2,000 cheque to the fire department to buy more smoke detectors for the community.
“We’re just happy we’ve been included in this program,” said Brad Lesiuk, the branch manager at Island Savings in Coronation Mall. “We think it’s a great program.”
Delcourt says most of the smoke detection has come out of the department’s fire budget, so a donation like this will help a lot.
“We’ll be able to spend money on other things,” he said.
Anybody in Ladysmith who needs a smoke detector can call Ladysmith Fire/Rescue at 250-245-6436.
Island Savings has given Ladysmith Fire/Rescue bags with pamphlets in them so the firefighters can put the smoke detectors in them and deliver the package as a whole to people’s homes.
Delcourt wants to remind people that as we get into the colder season, now is a good time to ensure you have enough working smoke detectors in your home, as you start using wood stoves and fireplaces and turning on more heaters.
Island Savings partners with Ladysmith Fire/Rescue for the Christmas tree chipping and car seat demonstrations in early January and supports the department’s car seat clinics.
Car seat inspections will be offered at the Ladysmith Fire Hall during the seventh annual Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Historical Society Christmas Tree Chipping Jan. 3 and 4.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can drop your tree off behind the fire hall at 340 Sixth Ave. on Malone Road. During the tree chipping weekend, donations are gratefully accepted toward the restoration of Ladysmith Fire/Rescue’s antique 1942 International parade truck. Fire trucks will be set up and ready for children’s enjoyment.
Firefighters will also be driving through the community on both days, and if you would like your tree picked up, you can leave it on the curb in front of your residence, and firefighters will pick it up. You can also call 250-245-6436 and leave your name and address to confirm pickup.
To learn more about the car seat program, find Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs online at www.vicarseattechs.com or www.facebook.com/VICarSeatTechs.
