The Comox Valley Fire Safety House, a mainstay of local fire education for four decades, has undergone a comprehensive renovation.

Completed throughout four months by Courtenay firefighters, the updates include modern features such as new siding, roofing, and interior enhancements. Funded by the Comox Valley Chief鈥檚 Association with $3,500, these upgrades ensure the Fire Safety House remains a vital educational tool for the community.

Originally constructed in 1988 by local fire volunteers for $10,000 largely funded by contributions from Courtenay Central Builders, MacDonald鈥檚 Restaurant and the Courtenay Fire Department, the Fire Safety House has served as a mobile educational platform for Courtenay, Cumberland, Oyster River, and CFB Comox Fire Departments. Through hands-on fire safety drills, thousands of children have learned essential safety skills in a realistic setting.

L.t Ian Robertson of the Courtenay Fire Department emphasized the value of immersive learning.

鈥淗aving 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. 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.鈥�

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells expressed gratitude to the volunteer firefighters.

鈥淥n behalf of the City of Courtenay and our entire community, we thank the Comox Valley鈥檚 volunteer firefighters and honorary members for their continued support of this program and to community safety.鈥�

The Fire Safety House continues to fulfill its mission of educating children every October during Fire Safety Month.