Safer Homes, Stronger Communities: National Fire Safety Initiative Enters Second Year

The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, Firefighters Without Borders and Kidde extend their collaboration for a second year, enhancing fire safety in more than 16 Indigenous communities. GNW

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The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, Firefighters Without Borders and Kidde extend their collaboration for a second year, enhancing fire safety in more than 16 Indigenous communities.

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The following joint news release has been issued on behalf of the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, Firefighters Without Borders and Kidde.

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TORONTO, June 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 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 this discrepancy, the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), Firefighters Without Borders (FWB), and Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand², are implementing their second year of a dedicated collaboration focused on enhancing access to smoke alarms and fire safety education for Indigenous communities in Canada.

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This year, Kidde will contribute approximately $500,000 CAD worth of smoke alarms to more than 16 Indigenous communities. Through these important partnerships, participating communities will receive smoke alarms, tailored educational resources, and comprehensive support for the installation of these fire safety devices inside homes.

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This collaboration is part of Kidde’s annual Cause for Alarm™ campaign, the brand’s global education program that aims to help make every home a safer home. This year, the initiative dedicated to reaching Indigenous communities will bring the cumulative program contribution to nearly $1 million CAD in retail value since its inception in 2025.

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“Realizing our long-term vision for equitable fire safety requires more than one-time action; it requires sustained commitment,” said Ivanette Bonilla, Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer, Kidde. “This expanded, multi-year partnership brings that commitment to life. By working alongside trusted partners like the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council and Firefighters Without Borders, we are not just delivering resources – we are investing in enduring capability, strengthening community resilience and helping ensure that life-saving education and detection reach those who need it most, for generations to come.”

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“Our second year of this important collaboration reflects a continued commitment to closing the fire safety gaps faced by Indigenous communities across Canada,” said Arnold Lazare, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. “With the support of our partners, this effort goes well beyond the distribution of smoke alarms, it’s about what comes next. By working directly with local fire leaders, we ensure on-site installation is paired with culturally relevant, community-based education. This hands-on approach is critical to empowering community members, strengthening local capacity and delivering lasting impact.”

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“Meaningful and lasting improvements in community safety happen when organizations come together to support local capacity and leadership,” said Craig Dockeray, Acting President, Firefighters Without Borders. “As this initiative enters its second year, it reflects the strength of our shared commitment to ensuring that communities have access to the tools, training, and partnerships needed to reduce fire risk and protect lives. We are honoured to continue supporting Indigenous communities and local fire leaders as they build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities across Canada.”