School-aged children in Calgary are set to benefit from an innovative fire safety education program thanks to a partnership between CPC and the Calgary Fire Department (CFD). The program, which uses virtual reality (VR) technology, aims to empower participants with the knowledge and confidence to prevent fires and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

City of Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth, CPC President Bij Agarwal – and Sparky! – gather with local youths Brody Quinn (Junior Fire Chief) and Ariane Khouri at the July 27 program launch.   

The VR program was launched to the media and community on July 27, 2023, at an event at Fire Station 16 attended by CPC President Bij Agarwal, City of Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth. Following remarks, local youth were invited to test the VR program, experiencing first-hand the technology and interactive scenarios.

Available in seven languages – a reflection of Calgary’s diversity – the program helps participants identify common hazards in a virtual home and mitigate a stove-top fire, the leading cause of residential fires in the city. These real-life situations can be experienced in a safe manner, providing a greater learning impact than traditional fire safety education methods.

"This collaboration between The City of Calgary and ConocoPhillips exemplifies our shared commitment to community welfare and safety," said Bij Agarwal in the CFD’s news release. “We are excited to support the development of this state-of-the-art VR program. We believe it will increase the effectiveness of fire safety education, equipping individuals with vital skills that can have a direct impact on saving lives."

The CFD and CPC plan to introduce the VR program to select schools and events throughout the next two years; a targeted approach that will ensure the students, educators and community members who will benefit the most can take advantage of this immersive learning experience.

After the initial rollout, the program may become available upon request to further extend its reach and impact.

CPC has provided financial support to important CFD fire prevention and safety initiatives, including the Fire Safety Trailer and Education Program, school fire drills, and fire safety education materials, since 2008.

Brody and Ariane testing out the new VR program.