Oakville fire mascot Sparky will offer fire safety tips at splashpads this summer

Oakville Fire Department’s mascot Sparky will be visiting community splash pads this summer bringing plenty of safety tips.

Crews from various fire stations will be making visits to seven splash pads as part of the annual Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer campaign.

“As families cool off at splash pads, they will have the opportunity to meet the fire crews, check out the fire trucks, and learn about vital fire safety messaging,” said a Town spokesperson.

Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer is a fire prevention initiative that encourages residents to meet with and talk to local firefighters and fire prevention team members at their neighbourhood park.

“It is an opportunity for parents to improve their fire safety awareness as our Oakville Fire team share tips to keep children safe from burns and scalds, information about smoke and fire detection systems at home, and how to plan and practise home escape plans.”

The events, which run from 6 to 8 p.m. are supported by Fortino’s South Oakville and Panago Pizza, with slices available for purchase at $2 each (while quantities last) and water or pop for $1 each. All proceeds go to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

Six out of seven locations this year will be held in conjunction with Movies in the Park.

“Come meet Sparky, learn about fire safety, check out a fire truck before you settle down to watch the movie in the park.”

Here are the locations of this year’s Dog Days of Summer event:

• July 10 – Valleyridge Park, 2524 Valleyridge Dr.
• July 17 – Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre Park, 325 Reynolds St.
• July 24 – Sixteen Hollow Park, 2140 Westoak Trails
• July 31 – Neyagawa Park, 540 River Glen Blvd.
• August 7 – Forster Park, 100 North Forster Park Dr.
• August 14 – Fowley Park, 95 Fowley Dr.
• August 21 – Valleybrook Park, 1150 Valleybrook Dr.

In case of rain, the crews will visit the next day.