Cross Lake Nation firefighters preparing to install Kidde smoke alarms as one of the first communities to receive fire safety resources through the Cause For Alarm initiative, December 2024.

Igniting Awareness, Extinguishing Risk: Enhancing Fire Safety in Indigenous Communities Across Canada to Help Save More Lives

In Canada, Indigenous people experience higher rates of fire-related deaths often due to insufficient access to fire safety resources and working smoke alarms¹, especially at home. To address these factors, a new initiative was developed in collaboration with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), Firefighters Without Borders (FWB), and Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand². Through these important partnerships, Kidde will contribute nearly $400,000 CAD worth of smoke alarms to 16 First Nations communities, marking a significant step towards addressing the urgent need for enhanced fire safety in Indigenous communities within Canada, also known as Turtle Island.

This collaboration is an expansion of Kidde’s annual Cause for AlarmTM campaign, the brand’s global education program that aims to help make every home a safer home by bridging gaps in both access to smoke alarms and fire safety education. For the first time, the campaign will launch a dedicated initiative focused on Indigenous communities within Canada.

Participating First Nations communities will receive smoke alarms, tailored educational resources, and comprehensive support for the installation of these fire safety devices inside homes. This initial phase of the program will serve as a pilot project, with the intention to reach more communities in future years.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, and through our Cause For Alarm™ campaign, we strive to make that a reality for all communities,” said Ivanette Bonilla, Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer, Kidde. “By partnering with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council and Firefighters Without Borders, we’re combining our strengths to make a meaningful difference in the safety and well-being of Indigenous communities across Canada. It’s about working together to provide essential tools and knowledge where they are needed most."

“This initiative represents a crucial step forward in our ongoing efforts to close the gap in fire safety for Indigenous communities,” said Arnold Lazare, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. “By combining access to critically important smoke alarms with culturally relevant fire safety education, we are not only helping to protect homes, but we are empowering people with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe. Through collaboration with Kidde and our partners, we are fostering long-term resilience and building a foundation for safer, stronger Indigenous communities across the country for generations to come.”

"This impactful collaboration leverages the unique expertise of every partner and for FWB is the kind of tailored initiative that moves us forward in our mission to equip communities with the resources they need,” said Frank Lamie, President, Firefighters Without Borders. “Together, we are delivering not just equipment, but essential tools and knowledge that empower communities to create safer homes, raise awareness, and build long-term resilience—one alarm, one training session, and one act of solidarity at a time."

In-community supporters, including local fire chiefs and departments, social emergency managers, and other community safety leaders, are integral to ensuring an equitable distribution of smoke alarms that effectively meets the unique needs and goals of each participating community.

Additionally, logistical support for the shipment of smoke alarms to select communities will be provided by CN, a leading North American transportation and logistics company, as part of their ongoing collaboration with Firefighters Without Borders.

The participating communities were selected in consultation with the NIFSC and FWB based on urgent needs within their networks and in alignment with local goals and protocols.

The communities included in this initial phase of the program are:

Cross Lake First Nations

• Norway House Cree Nation
• Kahnawake First Nations
• Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation
• Eagle Lake First Nation
• Wabauskang First Nation
• Lac Des Mille Lac First Nation
• Alexander First Nation
• Paul First Nation
• Enoch Cree Nation
• Ochapowace Nation
• Chacachas Treaty Nation
• Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation
• Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve
• Tsuuti’ina Nation
• M'Chigeeng First Nation

_{1 - Statistics Canada. “Circumstances surrounding fire-related deaths among Indigenous people in Canada,” 2011 to 2020.}

_{2 - Based on internal estimates of total household installations as of December 2023}