8/23/2010 7:56:25 PM

August 20, 2010

Families invited to join Toronto Fire Services at the CNE

The City of Toronto's Fire Services will be offering fire safety fun, with interaction and information for families, including a Mini Combat Challenge for children, at the 2010 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) on Wednesday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The EXcellent Fire Safety Adventure Day on August 25 will feature a firefighter obstacle course designed for children, along with fire trucks and souvenir photos taken with Sparky the Fire Dog. Led by Toronto Fire Services (working together with several corporate fire safety partners), the day will offer a combination of activities and education designed to leave a lasting fire safety impression.

"Toronto Fire Services wants this year’s CNE Fire Services Day to be one of fun and interaction," said Fire Chief William Stewart. "The EXcellent Fire Safety Adventure will mix the magic of the Ex with important fire and life safety reminders that parents and children can take home after a fun-filled day."

"The EXcellent Fire Safety Adventure is an exhibition within an exhibition, with several organizations providing a one-stop resource centre for parents to learn fire safety fundamentals,” said Carol Heller, a home fire safety expert with Kidde Canada. “Working alongside Toronto Fire Services and other partners, we hope will make an impact so all CNE visitors can be safe at home.”

A highlight of the day will be the Mini Combat Challenge, which is a scaled-down version of the popular Firefighter Combat Challenge - an intense competition of fitness and agility that annually attracts firefighters from around the world. Just like firefighters in the full-size version, Mini Combat Challenge firefighters carry a tied length of hose on their shoulders as they progress through the Hose Carry, Crawl Low under Smoke, Ventilate the Roof, Extinguish the Fire (pump tanks with target) and Stop, Drop and Roll.

Other activities/features August 25:
- Fire trucks and aerial platform (with "photo op") - Toronto Fire Services will showcase several fire trucks and firefighting apparatus, including the Bronto aerial platform. Media are invited to view the CNE from the aerial platform, one of North America's tallest firefighting aerial platforms.

- Safety company demonstrations and prizes - There will be product demonstrations and tips from smoke and carbon monoxide alarm manufacturer Kidde Canada.

- Carbon monoxide safety display - Information will be presented about how to protect your family from the “silent killer,” provided by the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education.

- Sparky the Fire Dog photo pavilion - Family photos can be taken with the Toronto Fire Services' lovable mascot next to an antique fire truck. Sparky souvenir photos will be available at the CNE Fire Station for the full duration of the CNE.

- Educational fire safety displays - Learn about fire safety from the Toronto Fire Services Fire Prevention Team, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, TAPP-C Arson Prevention Program for Children, and the Toronto Firefighter Recruitment team. The focus on fire safety education continues from the CNE Fire Hall for the full duration of the CNE.

- Fire Services Parade - The parade on August 25 will showcase modern and antique fire trucks and rescue vehicles with present-day firefighters.

The EXcellent Fire Safety Adventure will be located in front of the CNE Fire Station near the Music Pavilion.