By Cecilia Nasmith

An outstanding home escape plan has won Beatrice Strong Public School student Logan MacDonald the honour of serving as Port Hope's Fire Chief For The Day on Nov. 5.

It's a chance to experience municipal government first-hand, the municipality's press release noted, as Logan's duties will include attending that evening's council meeting.

The contest was held by Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services in October, during Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme was Not Every Hero Wears A Cape – Plan And Practice Your Escape.

The importance of a home-escape plan is clear, when a typical home fire may allow residents as little as one to two minutes from the time the smoke alarm sounds to escape safely. The crucial role of escape planning and practice inspired Logan's effort, as well as those of his fellow students.

Fire Chief C. Ryan Edgar, Director of Fire and Emergency Services, said they had received a number of great submissions – and that choosing a winner was difficult.

“Logan’s home escape plan was very detailed,” the chief said.

“It included the different levels of his home, demonstrated two ways to escape, identified the family’s meeting place, and revealed where the smoke alarms were located in the home. Logan’s fire escape plan was very well thought-out and impressive.”

On Tuesday, members of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services will attend at Beatrice Strong to meet Logan's class and pick him up for his duties that day.

At the council meeting, Logan will participate in a special ceremony honouring members of the fire department, as part of the annual council recognition presentations.