Fire Safety Education

Fire safety education programs

• Hazard house presentations

  This demonstration uses our department’s fire safety hazard house to teach fire safety to youth, primarily targeted towards kindergarten and grade one age group.

  The hazard house fits on a tabletop and features multiple levels, including most of the rooms found in a typical home. It simulates fire, electricity hazards, sounding smoke alarms, and smoke to demonstrate the patterns that smoke creates during a fire inside a house.

  This presentation educates youth on the following topics:

  • What smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are and how they work
  • Common hazards inside a home
  • Distinguishing between tools and toys, and understanding what is hot or not
  • What to do if you hear a smoke alarm: Get out and stay out
  • How to safely crawl under smoke during a fire
  • The importance of fire escape plans
  • Kitchen safety precautions      
• Grade four fire safety program

  Each year, our department partners with Community Safety Net to deliver a fire safety program designed for Grade Four students in Prince George. This initiative is made possible through local sponsors, who fund the production of fire safety books for students, helping us extend our reach. 

  Books are printed each spring prior to collaboration with the school district to schedule presentations in as many classes as possible.

  Each student receives a Community Safety Net fire safety book, accompanied by an interactive, in-class presentation delivered by our Fire & Life Safety Public Educator.

  The presentation covers topics such as: 

  • The dangers and characteristics of fire 
  • Smoke and CO alarms 
  • Home escape plans, and how to exit a house safely. 
  • How to prevent fires

  This engaging session includes a blend of theory, videos with discussion questions, and a fun, class-wide quiz at the end to reinforce key concepts.

  The program provides children with essential fire safety skills that could one day save lives.

  • Learn more about Community Safety Net
• Fire Chief for a Day contest

  Fire Prevention Week is an annual event dedicated to educating people on how to stay safe in the event of a fire. It takes place during the week following the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire (October 8–10, 1871), with a new fire safety theme highlighted each year.

  To help promote Fire Prevention Week and spread its important safety message each year, Prince George Fire Rescue runs the annual "Fire Chief for a Day" contest in collaboration with local McDonald's and the Regional District.

  Who Can Participate?

  • The contest is open to students in grades K to 3 from all 31 elementary schools within city limits.
  • At the start of Fire Prevention Week, our firefighters visit each school and deliver fire safety packages to every applicable class.

  What’s Included in the Fire Safety Packages?

  • Fire safety information, based on that year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, for students to take home.
  • Educational materials on home escape plans, including a template for students to complete with their families.
  • A contest entry form for each student for a chance to be selected as one of four lucky winners named “Fire Chief for a Day.”

  After students complete and return their contest entries, four winners are drawn.

  What Do the Winners Receive?

  • A special visit to Fire Hall #1 alongside the other winners.
  • Exclusive junior firefighter swag and other fun items.
  • A meet-and-greet with the Fire Chief, where they sit in the Chief’s office and receive a custom plaque and name tag.
  • A fire hall and fire truck tour, including hands-on learning with firefighters about the apparatus, gear, and equipment.
  • Fun activities with the firefighters, such as games and relays.
  • A ride in a fire truck to McDonald's, where a decorated and reserved section of the restaurant awaits them. McDonald's also provides gift packages and a free lunch for the winners and their families.

  The Fire Chief for a Day Contest is an event that students look forward to each year. It not only creates an unforgettable experience for the winners but also helps deliver life-saving fire safety education to more families in our community.

  • Find more about Fire Prevention Week on this page.

• Older adults fire safety presentation

  Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is especially important for older adults. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), individuals aged 65 and older are twice as likely to be injured or killed by fires compared to the general population.

  Prince George Fire Rescue offers tailored fire safety presentations designed to educate and empower older adults with essential knowledge and practical strategies to prevent fire-related incidents and respond effectively in emergencies.

  Our presentation covers:

  • Smoking Safety – Best practices to reduce fire risks associated with smoking.
  • Space Heater Safety – Safe usage and placement to prevent accidental fires.
  • Kitchen and Cooking Safety – Tips for minimizing hazards while cooking.
  • Stop, Drop, and Roll – A crucial fire survival technique.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Importance, maintenance, and placement.
  • Planning and Practicing an Escape – Developing and rehearsing an effective fire escape plan.
  • Emergency Contacts & Local Numbers – Ensuring quick access to critical support services.
  • Escape Planning for Different Abilities – Adapting escape strategies based on mobility and physical needs.

  These presentations are an excellent opportunity for older adults to gain lifesaving knowledge.

• Youth Firesetter Intervention Program

  The Youth Firesetter Intervention Program is a confidential initiative aimed at supporting youth who engage in fire-related activities out of curiosity or other underlying reasons. While many young people experiment with fire due to natural curiosity, it's important to recognize the potential risks involved, including property damage, injury, and even loss of life. If you notice concerning behavior in a youth related to fire misuse, it is crucial to seek help.

  Our fire prevention branch is home to trained Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialists who are equipped to assist in addressing these concerns. The process begins when a concerned parent, guardian, or community member contacts us regarding the youth's fire-related behavior. With the parent's approval, we then schedule a meeting with the youth and conduct an interview with them, usually at the fire hall, to better understand the root causes of the behavior.

  After gathering the necessary information, we assess the level of concern for the youth’s safety and well-being. Based on the findings, we determine if the youth would benefit from educational intervention, psychological support and education, or full psychological intervention. In cases where referral to an external agency is needed, we will obtain written consent from the parents before sharing any personal information.

  Our program operates with the utmost discretion and sensitivity, focusing solely on providing the necessary support to ensure that youth gain a better understanding of fire safety and the potential consequences of misuse. 

  The goal is to help guide them toward safer behaviors, ensuring a brighter, safer future for both the youth and those around them.

• Fire extinguisher training

  Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can make the difference between containing a small fire and a full-scale emergency. In a fire emergency, quick action is critical, and having the knowledge and confidence to use a fire extinguisher can help prevent a dangerous situation from escalating. That’s why our Fire Extinguisher Training Program is designed to equip individuals with the skills they need to act effectively and safely during a fire.

  Our training combines both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to ensure participants are well-prepared in the event of a fire emergency. The theory portion covers key topics such as the different types of fires, fire extinguisher classifications, and the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique for proper extinguisher use.

  The practical portion of the training uses the Lion Bullex ITS Training Simulator, a tool that allows participants to experience a realistic fire scenario in a controlled environment. The simulator provides a safe yet engaging way to practice using a fire extinguisher, helping participants build confidence in their abilities.

  By the end of our training program, participants will have the knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently handle fire extinguisher use in real-world situations, promoting a safer environment for themselves and others.

  • Learn more about fire extinguishers

   

Awareness campaigns

• Fire Prevention Week

  Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is the longest-running public health observance in North America. It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 8–10, 1871. This devastating fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed over 17,000 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) officially launched Fire Prevention Week, and in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance in the United States. Since then, FPW has been recognized annually during the week of October 9th in both Canada and the United States.

  The primary objective of Fire Prevention Week is to educate the public on fire safety, prevention, and preparedness. Each year, a new theme is selected by the NFPA to highlight specific fire safety messages and best practices. These themes serve as a reminder of the simple steps we can all take to reduce the risk of fires in our homes and communities. The annual themes cover crucial topics such as smoke alarms, home escape planning, kitchen fire safety, and more.

  Visit the NFPA Fire Prevention Week page for more details about Fire Prevention Week, including this year's theme and safety resources.

  Fire Prevention Week in our community

  Our fire department actively promotes Fire Prevention Week’s key messages each year through educational outreach, public events, and awareness campaigns. A highlight of our annual efforts is the Fire Chief for a Day contest, which engages elementary school students (Kindergarten to Grade 3) across the city. This initiative reinforces fire safety education by providing a fun and engaging contest for children, giving them the opportunity to participate in fire safety activities and win the experience to be a Fire Chief for a Day. 

  Find more information on our Fire Chief for a Day contest on this page under School fire safety education programs.

• Burn Awareness Week

  Held during the first full week of February, Burn Awareness Week focuses on preventing burn injuries and increasing awareness about burn safety. It highlights important topics such as scald prevention, electrical burns, and fire-related burn injuries, with a special focus on protecting children. Organizations across Canada, including fire departments and burn prevention groups, work together to share educational materials and safety tips.

  Visit British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund for more information.

• Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

  Taking place during the first week of November, Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week educates the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, often referred to as the "silent killer." This campaign emphasizes the importance of installing CO alarms, recognizing the symptoms of CO exposure, and taking steps to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in homes.

  Visit the British Columbia Office of the Fire Commissioner’s carbon monoxide awareness information page for more information.