New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services to establish fire safety task force targeting city’s low rise buildings

New Westminster – In the wake of the low-rise building fire on January 31, 2014 at Ash Street, the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services has established a task force whose priority is to ensure that all 482 low-rise buildings in the city meet all fire code and life-safety requirements.

“The priority of this new task force is to ensure that all our low-rise buildings, which vary substantially in age from 10 to 45 years, are all up to code,” said Fire Chief Tim Armstrong. “We’re also committed to providing building management, owners, and tenants with fire prevention education and materials that will help prevent fires in the long run and keep all residents safer in their homes.”

In addition, the Task Force staff will be educating building management companies and owners on fire safety by sending an informational publication by mail, sharing information in person when on-site, and by offering focused public education presentations to the strata management and owners of these properties.

New Westminster residents are encouraged to call and request an appointment for a free home safety inspection of their house or apartment by calling the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services at 604-519-1000.  Fire crews and Task Force team members will conduct a home safety inspection for residents and leave a checklist to help residents be safer in their homes.

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Contact:

Tim Armstrong, Fire Chief
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services
604-519-1000