Connie Beneteau – Historic Downtown Chatham BIA,
Anthony Wilson – Economic Development, and
Jennifer Jacobson – Chatham-Kent Police.
Local business owners have been getting a lesson in arson prevention.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue crews have teamed up with CK Police, the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, and staff from Chatham-Kent Economic Development to educate business owners and talk to them about the proactive steps they can take to address the risk of fire.
“A fire at any business can greatly impact operations and is a setback for owners and the surrounding community,” explains Fire Chief Chris Case. “This can be even more devastating when the fire was intentionally lit. Our goal is to protect the core of our communities, by saving lives, protecting livelihoods and we continue to explore partnerships to support our businesses.”
Over the past month, the Arson Prevention for Your Business program has visited businesses in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Dresden, and Ridgetown.
The program outlines simple steps owners, and their staff can take, including property maintenance, keep combustibles out of sight and practicing fire safety.
“This is a unique and strategic partnership between Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue, Police, and Economic Development,” said Stuart McFadden, Director of Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “We wanted to leverage our community relationships to encourage CK business owners and operators to think proactively, instead of reactively, about fire prevention and stop potential disaster before it happens.”
In the meantime, Chatham-Kent Police continue to investigate following a suspected arson at True North Cannabis in downtown Wallaceburg. Two neighbouring businesses were also damaged in the June 5th fire.