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Fire service and hydro join to serve community

June 2, 2011, Nelson, B.C. – Nelson Fire & Rescue Services in British Columbia is partnering with local hydro authorities to better serve landlords and protect residents and firefighters.
 
The fire department, along with FortisBC PowerSense and Nelson Hydro, is upgrading exit lights during its annual fire inspections of more than 1,000 commercial buildings, Nelson Fire Chief Simon Grypma said in a press release.
 
Canadian fire chiefs have been talking at their annual provincial conferences about creating partnerships with local business, provincial bodies and non-traditional organizations to better serve their municipalities and constituents. Nelson’s partnership with FortisBC and Nelson Hydro is “a natural fit that not only benefits public safety, but also helps businesses reduce electric use,” Grypma said.

FortisBC PowerSense and Nelson Hydro have teamed up with Nelson Fire & Rescue Services in British Columbia to upgrade exit lights during fire inspections. Photo courtesy City of Nelson.

He added that on-site inspections provide building owners with a report on the fire safety status and the safety of the building occupants. Businesses still using traditional incandescent lamps in exit lights qualify for free LED exit lights from FortisBC. LED exit lights last longer than incandescent exit lights and use significantly less electricity. Upgrading the lamp with the upgrade kit makes sure that exit light is in good working order for years to come.
 
As part of the inspections, the department distributes information about other FortisBC PowerSense programs for small businesses, such as free walk-through energy audits and incentives for building upgrades.