Kidde is donating hundreds of its smoke alarms to First Nation communities across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in partnership with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council and Firefighters Without Borders. The announcement was made in Fredericton on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Partnership aims to improve fire safety
The initiative is designed to enhance fire prevention and safety in Indigenous communities, which often face higher risks of fire-related incidents due to a lack of working smoke detectors. According to the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, many homes in these communities do not have functioning smoke alarms, making this donation a critical step toward reducing fire fatalities.
Kidde, a leading manufacturer of fire safety products, is providing hundreds of units, including both battery-operated and hardwired alarms. Firefighters Without Borders will assist with installation and education on proper maintenance.
Community impact and response
Chiefs from several First Nations expressed gratitude for the donation. “This will save lives,” said Chief Patricia Francis of the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick. “Many of our elders and families live in homes without working smoke detectors. This partnership addresses a real need.”
Firefighters Without Borders, a volunteer organization, will train local community members to install and maintain the alarms. The group has worked on similar projects in other provinces and internationally.
The donation comes amid broader efforts to improve fire safety in Indigenous communities across Canada. A 2024 report from the Office of the Fire Commissioner noted that fire-related deaths in First Nations communities are three times higher than the national average.
