St. Marys Fire Department receives substantial donation to purchase much needed equipment

Apr. 17, 2023, St. Marys, Ont. – The St. Marys Volunteer Fire Department has received a substantial donation from a local couple to purchase much needed equipment. Thanks to this donation they will be able to purchase two unique items to benefit the department operationally and use for public education.

Ron and Pat Wouters contacted the St. Marys Fire Department, wanting to donate to the volunteer firefighters to help them obtain equipment they might require.

The first item the department will purchase is a fire blanket which provides a fast, effective and eco-friendly means of isolating and extinguishing car fires. The blanket is designed to isolate smoke immediately without spreading toxic fumes or substances, providing numerous benefits over traditional methods.

A fire blanket is also a very effective method when dealing with incidents involving electric vehicles. Electric vehicles add a new element as the sealed battery packs are often located on the undercarriage and are difficult to cool with traditional methods. Manufacturers recommend up to 3,000 gallons for extinguishment and warn of the risk of re-ignition after the initial fire is extinguished. Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Edwards says, “As we continue to see an increased number of electric cars drive through our communities, we need to be better prepared to face this emerging hazard and control the risk of re-ignition.”

The remainder of the money will go towards the purchase of an inflatable Fire Safety House which will be an exciting addition to their fire education program. The house will provide an easy and fun way to talk about planning your escape during a fire, smoke alarms, candles, kitchen safety, space heaters and much more.

Chief Fire Prevention Officer Brian Leverton says, “This portable inflatable fire safety house is an interactive and most of all, fun fire safety learning experience for the whole community. It can be set up in as quick as 20 to 30 minutes and will be great for both outdoor events, as well as indoors in gymnasiums.”

Like many people in this fine community, the Wouters are proud supporters of their volunteer firefighters who are dedicated to answering calls 24/7. “Donations like this help us move to that next level of proficiency and efficiency whether on the fire ground or in the classroom,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson.