Fire Prevention Week 2022

Summary#

This item is the Proclamation Designating “Fire Prevention Week”: SI/2022-45, published in the Canada Gazette on September 28, 2022. It names the week of October 9, 2022 to October 15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week and names October 15, 2022 as Fire Service Recognition Day. The proclamation also highlights the 2022 theme, “FIRE WON’T WAIT. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE.” The proclamation was issued in the name of Mary May Simon.

What it does#

• Declares the week from October 9, 2022 to October 15, 2022 as “Fire Prevention Week.”
• Declares October 15, 2022 as “Fire Service Recognition Day.”
• Announces the 2022 public-safety theme: “FIRE WON’T WAIT. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE.”
• Recommends that people and government authorities intensify fire prevention activities during that week.

Who's affected#

• Firefighters and local fire services are the main groups named for recognition.
• Schools, community groups, employers, and households may be encouraged to take part in prevention and awareness activities.
• Federal, provincial and municipal authorities are specifically urged to step up fire prevention efforts.
• The proclamation is largely a public awareness and recognition measure; it does not itself create new rules or penalties.

Why it matters#

• It aims to focus public attention on simple steps that reduce the risk of fires (for example, planning escape routes and reminding people to check alarms).
• It gives a specific week and day for communities and organizations to run events, drills, or campaigns about fire safety.
• It formally recognizes the work of firefighters, which can support local outreach and morale.