Rural fire departments in our region teamed up on Friday to show the importance of having a sprinkler systems when it comes to putting out fires.
A side-by-side burn was held in Thornton on Friday – one living room with a sprinkler system and one without – to show difference sprinklers can make.
“Educating people to want sprinklers, I don’t need to rally the fire service – the fire service knows that it reduces cancer and putting water on fire is a good idea,” says Essa Township Fire Chief Cynthia Ross Tustin.
Huntsville Fire Chief Steve Hernan was one of many fire officials in attendance on Friday. He is also with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs who have been advocating for sprinkler system since 2005.
“Rural departments, which are 90% of Ontario, we have longer wait response time with our department so this is just another tool we can put in the toolbox and help make occupants safer.”
Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson is backing calls by the fire chiefs and hopes the provincial government may be able to do something to help.
“Try to get some tax incentives in place so that people can voluntarily install sprinklers in their homes.”
