A new partnership between the Tssut’ina Nation Fire Department, the Calgary Fire Department, and fire safety firm Kidde is set to improve fire safety.

Kidde, a manufacturer of fire safety products, donated $86,000 worth of smoke alarms to Tsuut’ina (TFD) and Calgary (CFD) fire departments at Tsuut’ina’s fire hall on Wednesday, July 23.

The company is planning on donating $400,000 in smoke detectors to Indigenous communities across Canada.

Tsuut’ina Fire Chief Tyler Two Guns said the department was very grateful for the donation, but the long-term partnership with the Calgary Fire Department and Kidde was more important.

“This is not just a partnership. It is a step towards stronger ties between urban and indigenous fire services.”

The new agreements signed between the two departments previous mutual aid agreements, and are designed to lead to more inter-agency support during emergencies.

Chief Two Guns said this partnership offers a chance to learn from each other, to share knowledge, and build trust through actions.

“Real safety begins with relationships when we stand together, work together, and look out for one another,” he said.

“Partnership rooted in respect, shared values and a united mission to keep our communities safe.”

The CFD, said Chief Two Guns, has offered resources on education and awareness, and that the Tsuut’ina Fire Department shared techniques and protocols that CFD can use when they assist indigenous individuals in Calgary.

Tom Jukes, Assistant Deputy Chief for the Calgary Fire Department, said this was a great opportunity to deepen the relationship between the two departments.

“Tsuut’ina is a valued neighbour and a valued friend of the city of Calgary and Calgary Fire Department,” said Jukes.

He said the department will send resources and support when the TFD requires help, and that CFD will call for assistance out when they require extra resources to deal with grass or bush fires.

“We’ve got an excellent mutual aid agreement,” said Jukes.

According to Jukes, the CFD are set to install the new smoke alarms based on data from the CFD Community Safety Division. That data will be analyzed to determine which residences would benefit the most from the alarms.

“Where we’re seeing a trend of fires as well as fire injuries or fire deaths, age of homes and where we’re going to be most impactful,” said Jukes.