The Ice Festival may be going on on Market Street right now, but it's also a good time to think about fire.  The mission of the William Cameron Engine Company is to make Lewisburg and the surrounding area safer from fire.  This is of utmost concern at any time of year, but, especially in this season when space heaters are being broken out, it's good to be reminded to go the extra mile for safety.

To that end the fire department is offering free home safety audits to anyone in their service area.  The inspection includes a walk through of the dwelling/visual review and physical testing of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.  If the resident has no smoke detector, free ones are available.  At the conclusion of the inspection, the team provides a written list of safety suggestions.

Renters and home owners are both eligible to participate.  The program started in fall of 2013 and is ongoing.

One North Ward Neighborhood resident shares their experience with the program:  "Our house was the first home-safety audit the Wm Cameron Engine Company performed. The audit was very helpful and did not take much time (a total of maybe 30 minutes, I think) and covered the basement and both floors of the house.. Although there were no major issues, the auditors did point out a couple of improvements that we would not have thought of, including cleaning the dryer vent, that we have implemented. The audit was both helpful (some specifics to improve) and reassuring (no major issues), and the gentlemen involved were very pleasant and easy to deal with."

The fire department does not have any enforcement powers concerning fire regulations and simply offers this program as a way to enhance local safety.  The suggestions and recommendations provided are not in any way binding.

At the end of the inspection, the resident may provide a donation, but it is not required.

For more information, contact Career Assistant Chief Scheesley at the fire station at 570-916-2820.