When Jasmine Bégin was 10 months old, a caregiver accidentally placed her in scalding hot water, causing severe burns to her lower body.
Even though she was in the water for only a couple of seconds, the incident left her with lifelong scars.
Yesterday, the 17-year-old city resident helped launch Fire Prevention Week in Ottawa.
“Over the years I’ve come to realize that fire safety is a very important thing in one’s life, “she said. “If I can prevent thousands of kids from going through what I went through by being an example of a victim myself, that’s fine with me.”
Deputy Chief Bruce Montone said fire statistics have been positive in Ottawa in the last couple of years, but the community must remain vigilant and look after other items that can cause heat-related injuries.
Mayor Larry O’Brien called on the province to take the next step with mandatory residential fire sprinkler systems in all new homes.
