Richmond hosts fire safety seminar Wednesday with English and Cantonese interpretation

Richmond residents can learn fire prevention and safety strategies Wednesday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Park Hotel Vancouver Airport (8368 Alexandra Road), where Richmond Fire-Rescue will lead a seminar organized by the newly formed B.C. Chinese Rental and Strata Association.

The event comes as recent residential fires in Hong Kong, the U.S., and across B.C. have highlighted fire safety urgency. "Fire does not choose its victims. It can happen to anyone, anytime, and often when we least expect it," said Aaron Leung, the association's founding director. About 60 people have already registered, with only 10 seats remaining.

Richmond Fire-Rescue community relations officer Brian MacLeod and fire and life safety educator Kylie MacDonald will present topics including common fire hazards, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and proper response during a fire. A question-and-answer session will follow. The association is providing Cantonese interpretation, making the seminar accessible to both English and Cantonese speakers.

Leung also flagged a growing local concern: electrical fires from mobility devices such as e-bikes have "become more and more common" in Richmond. "While we cannot predict when a fire may occur, we can certainly be better prepared to prevent one," he said.

The seminar is the first public event for the BCCRSA, which formed earlier this month. The association plans future seminars on earthquake preparedness and strata management education, though specific dates have not yet been set. Pre-registration is available through the association's website.