Smoke Alarms, Education, and Empowerment Drive National Initiative to Save Lives

By NetNewsLedger Staff
THUNDER BAY – June 4, 2025 – A powerful partnership between the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), Firefighters Without Borders (FWB), and home safety brand Kidde is lighting the way to safer homes in Indigenous communities across Canada. With a donation of nearly $400,000 in smoke alarms and a shared mission of fire prevention, this national initiative is setting a new standard for culturally informed safety education and resources in communities long underserved by mainstream systems.

As wildfires and house fires continue to pose elevated risks for Indigenous communities—who experience fire-related deaths at rates significantly higher than the national average—this collaboration brings hope, tools, and education directly to homes across Turtle Island.

Bridging the Gap: Smoke Alarms for 16 Indigenous Communities

Under the banner of Kidde’s Cause for Alarm™ campaign—its flagship global safety initiative—16 First Nations communities have been selected to receive advanced smoke alarms, installation assistance, and culturally tailored fire safety education. The goal: prevent fatal fires by ensuring early detection and fostering proactive community awareness.

Participating Communities Include:

• Northwestern Ontario: Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation, Wabauskang First Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation

• Manitoba: Cross Lake First Nation, Norway House Cree Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation

• Saskatchewan: Ochapowace Nation, Chacachas Treaty Nation

• Alberta: Alexander First Nation, Paul First Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation

• Quebec and Ontario: Kahnawake First Nation, M’Chigeeng First Nation

• Manitoba: Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve

In-community fire chiefs, emergency managers, and safety coordinators will be instrumental in distributing devices equitably and overseeing installation, ensuring the initiative responds to each community’s unique needs.

The People Behind the Mission

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home,” said Ivanette Bonilla, Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer at Kidde. “Through our partnership with NIFSC and Firefighters Without Borders, we’re turning that belief into action, reaching the homes that need it most.”

Arnold Lazare, CEO of NIFSC, emphasized that this is more than a supply drop—it’s about empowerment: “This initiative gives communities the tools and culturally relevant knowledge to protect lives and build long-term resilience.”

FWB President Frank Lamie echoed that sentiment: “We’re not just delivering smoke alarms—we’re delivering sustainable safety practices, awareness, and dignity.”

Transport, Logistics, and Long-Term Vision

CN Rail is providing logistical support to ensure the smoke alarms are delivered quickly and efficiently to even the most remote locations. The initiative is a pilot program, with hopes of expanding it in the coming years based on feedback and outcomes from participating communities.

Why It Matters

The disparity in fire-related fatalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians is alarming—and preventable. According to federal safety data, many First Nations homes either lack smoke alarms or have devices that are not functional due to lack of maintenance, battery replacement, or installation knowledge. This program directly addresses those issues.

Additionally, the program promotes Indigenous-led emergency management and integrates fire safety education that respects traditional knowledge and community dynamics. This kind of collaborative, culturally attuned approach aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

About the Partners

National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC):
An Indigenous-led organization founded by the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada. NIFSC develops fire safety training, emergency response planning, and culturally informed public safety resources.

Firefighters Without Borders (FWB):
A volunteer-driven Ontario non-profit dedicated to supplying training and equipment to under-resourced fire departments across Canada and around the globe.

Kidde:
A century-old leader in residential fire safety, known for innovation in smoke alarms, CO detectors, and home extinguishers. Kidde’s Cause for Alarm™ campaign focuses on closing fire safety gaps through education and resource donation.

More Information:

• Cause For Alarm™ – causeforalarm.org/Canada

• National Indigenous Fire Safety Council – indigenousfiresafety.ca

• Firefighters Without Borders – firefighterswithoutborders.org