If you went to school in the Comox Valley within the last 40 years, there’s a good chance you’ve walked through the Comox Valley Fire Safety House. Now this valuable educational tool has been renovated with modern updates, thanks to the hard work of Courtenay firefighters.

The upgrades to the fire safety house were completed by fire department volunteers over the last four months. The upgrades include new siding, roofing and interior features, allowing the Fire Safety House to continue providing vital fire safety education to children all over the Comox Valley for years to come. The upgrades cost $3,500, and were generously funded by the Comox Valley Chief’s Association.

The Fire Safety House is a scaled-down version of a residential home. This mobile educational tool is used by the Courtenay, Cumberland, Oyster River and CFB Comox Fire Departments to educate children through hands-on fire safety drills.

“Having the ability to teach using this tool allows us to immerse the kids in the learning. Instead of merely listening to a presentation the kids can apply their new skills in a safe environment,” said Lieutenant Ian Robertson of the Courtenay Fire Department. “We can also meet kids where they are, taking out the barrier of getting the fire hall to receive training allows us to maximize the learning and ensures no kids are missed.”

The Fire Safety House was originally built in 1988 by local fire department volunteers at a cost of $10,000, largely funded by contributions from Courtenay Central Builders, MacDonald’s Restaurant and the Courtenay Fire Department. Many other local businesses also donated supplies and materials. Since that time the Fire Safety House has educated tens of thousands of local children, every October during Fire Safety Month.

“On behalf of the City of Courtenay and our entire community, we thank the Comox Valley’s volunteer firefighters and honorary members for their continued support of this program and to community safety,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “The tireless work of these dedicated individuals is appreciated and valued.”