Fire Prevention Week 2023 Designation

Summary#

This is the Proclamation Designating “Fire Prevention Week”: SI/2023-56, a formal notice that names a week in October 2023 for fire-safety awareness. It was issued by Governor General Mary May Simon and sets October 8–14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week, with October 14, 2023 as Fire Service Recognition Day.

What it does#

• Designates October 8–14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week across Canada.
• Designates Saturday, October 14, 2023 as Fire Service Recognition Day.
• States the 2023 theme: “PAY ATTENTION TO FIRE PREVENTION. COOKING SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU.”
• Recommends that the public and federal, provincial and municipal authorities intensify fire prevention activities during that week.
• The proclamation was signed in Ottawa on August 24, 2023 and registered in the Canada Gazette on September 13, 2023.

Who's affected#

• The general public, especially anyone who cooks at home or works in kitchens, since the theme focuses on cooking safety.
• Fire services, including volunteer, professional and industrial fire-safety personnel, who may run local awareness events.
• Federal, provincial and municipal authorities, which are asked to step up prevention activities.
• Many Canadians will only see this as awareness and recognition; the proclamation does not itself create new laws or regulations.

Why it matters#

• It draws national attention to preventing fires, with a special focus on cooking safety — a common cause of home fires.
• It gives fire services and governments a focal week to run campaigns, inspections, demonstrations, or community events.
• It formally recognizes the work of firefighters, which can boost local outreach and public support.