Automatic Fire Suppression System Demonstration

The Guardian Fire Shield (GFS) is an innovative, Métis co-designed fire suppression system. It is an affordable, automatic solution that can be easily installed in existing homes and buildings. It uses non-toxic dry chemicals instead of water, which prevents costly water damage and expensive insurance premiums.

Led by Planet Halo Security Inc,. this demonstration will showcase the GFS in partnership with Yale First Nation. GFS units will be installed in all Yale First Nation housing units by community members. Data from the units will be monitored, and videos and education materials will highlight their fire safety benefits. A series of presentations, webinars and reports will help showcase the innovative, cost-efficient device, and inspire its rapid adoption. 

Project scope and expected outcomes

Protecting First Nations housing from fire

A 2011 report on insurance coverage for First Nations communities found that nearly half had little or no fire protection. Sprinklers are effective, but many First Nations communities do not have the finances or water pressure to install them. Sprinkler systems can also cause extensive water damage and lead to higher insurance premiums. Affordable, easy-to-install housing solutions are needed to protect First Nations housing from fire.

Saving lives and reducing damage

The GFS uses a heat sensor and non-toxic dry chemicals to reduce or extinguish fires. It can cover a room of up to 25 square metres. The chemical can be vacuumed up after it is released, avoiding the costly water damage caused by sprinklers. The system also activates at lower temperatures than sprinklers, so they can be used together for added coverage. 

This innovative housing solution offers several important benefits. It can save lives by extinguishing fires and giving people additional time to escape. Property damage from fire and water damage can also be lessened. Less water damage from sprinklers will reduce insurance premiums before and after fires, lowering overall costs and increasing housing affordability. The GFS is also active and effective for 10 years once it is installed, and the system is easily replaced.

Partnership with Yale First Nation

The Automatic Fire Suppression System Demonstration will partner with Yale First Nation to showcase the GFS. Yale First Nation members will receive instruction on installing the system in all of the homes in the community. System performance data will be collected throughout the project, which is part of CMHC’s Demonstration Initiative.

Videos will be created about the system installation and demonstration site, and virtual tours will be offered to interested groups. The project also will create fire safety education materials for use by Yale First Nation. A final report will present the project’s results, and all of the material will be shared through the project’s website.

Saved lives, reduced property damage and decreased insurance costs

The GFS’s potential to save lives, reduce property damage and decrease insurance costs are significant. This makes it interesting to a variety of groups, including insurers, rental providers and home owners. It could be beneficial across Canada, but particularly in northern, remote and Indigenous communities. Vulnerable populations that need extra time to exit a home, such as seniors, also could be helped by the GFS.

The Guardian Fire Shield can provide an additional layer of protection for all Canadians. It could become a standard part of fire-safety practices, further revolutionizing building codes and standards across the country.