- Candles
- False Alarms
- Fire Reports
- Outdoor Fireplaces/Chimneas
- Smoke Alarms
- Inspections
- Burn Permits
- Christmas Trees
- Fire Works
Burning candles can create a warm atmosphere on those dreary winter days.
Lit candles should not be left unattended and should be extinguished before you leave a room, your home, take a nap or retire for the evening.
Most candle fire incidents result from inattention or misuse. Keep away from books, paper, furniture, bedding, carpets, drapes, plastic or anything flammable. Also, keep away from drafts.
Candles should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Ensure the candle is sitting on non-flammable surface to collect any wax drippings.
One of the safest ways to put out a candle is by using a candle snuffer. It prevents hot wax from splattering.
If the fire department attends a property in response to a fire alarm and upon conducting an investigation determines that the alarm is a nuisance false alarm, the property owner shall be charged the fee as stipulated in Schedule A attached to by-law 105-2004.
If a property owner fails to notify the Fire Department Dispatch Centre in advance of any work being conducted on a fire alarm or emergency system at a property, and as a result of the work being done on a fire alarm system or emergency system, a false alarm is triggered, the property owner shall be charge the as stipulated in Schedule A attached to by-law 105-2004.
If the fire department responds to a fire alarm and upon conducting an investigation, a member of the fire department determines that the alarm is a false alarm occurring as a result of a malicious act, the property owner shall be charged the fee as stipulated in Schedule A attached to by-law 105-2004.
Click here for the Fire Fees and Charges By-law.
Fire reports may be requested in writing by the property owner, lawyer or insurance company representing the property owner.
Third Party requests are handled by following the guidelines of the "Freedom of Information Act". Contact the Council and Information Services Department.
See By-law 105-2004 Schedule A for fee structure.
The following is a set of guidelines from the Office of the Fire Marshal:
- Maintain a minimum three-metre clearance between the fireplace and combustible objects and surfaces to prevent ignition from radiant heat.
- Burn wood products only. Petroleum products, rubbish, grass, plastics rubber or any material that may flow out of the containment or cause excessive heat or smoke must not be permitted.
- Limit the amount of material being burned to ensure that the flames are confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney. Recommendations of the maximum amount of fuel to be used at one time may be included in the manufacturer's literature.
- The operator must keep the unit under constant supervision when in use.
- Provide adequate extinguishing agent (fire extinguisher, pail of water, garden hose, etc.)
- Do not burn during high wind conditions.
- Periods of burning may be restricted to certain days or hours of the week.
- Have the proper manufacturer's operating instructions. Check the unit regularly for the appearance of cracks or other physical deterioration.
In addition to the above, there may be concerns relating to smoke, health and safety that are not regulated under the Ontario Fire Code. Issues concerning air quality should be address through the Ministry of the Environment.
There is also the need to be aware of the potential for personal injury with the use of these units such as superficial burns from contact with the outside surface of the unit, ignition of clothing from sparks or open flames and injuries resulting from accidental tipping of the unit.
Effective March 1, 2006, smoke alarms must be installed on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas whether owner occupied or rented. In almost 50% of fatal fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning. It is critical to have working smoke alarms on every level to give occupants the precious seconds they need to escape a fire. Non-compliance with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $25,000.
Choosing a Smoke Alarm
- There are many types of smoke alarms, each with different features. Alarms can be electrically connected, battery-powered or a combination of both. There are battery-powered smoke alarms or other models that can be plugged or hard-wired into your home's electrical system. The two types of sensing system detectors are photoelectric or ionization.
- For the Hearing Impaired, alarms that flash a strobe-like light plus sound a sonic alarm are on the market. Other choices for the hearing impaired are detectors that emit lower-pitched alarm noises, which may be more easily heard.
- Make sure to purchase a unit that has been approved or tested. The seal of approval should be clearly visible. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance.
Location
- Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. This includes the basement and attic too. If you sleep with the bedroom door closed, be sure to install an alarm inside your bedroom. An alarm needs to be installed in a smoker's bedroom whether the occupant sleeps with the door open or not.
- Install wall mounted alarms so the top of the detector is 4-12 inches (10-30 centimetres) from the ceiling.
- Ceiling mounted alarms should be installed at least 4 inches (10 centimetres) from the wall. If the ceiling is pitched, install the unit at or near the highest point of the ceiling.
- In the basement, install smoke alarms close to the bottom of the stairs. DO NOT install the alarm at the top of the stairs. Smoke could be stopped from reaching the detector by the dead air trapped near the closed door.
- Install alarms in places between sleeping areas and rooms where fires usually start such as the kitchen, basement, garage or utility room. Smoke alarms should NOT be installed in the following locations: near the bathroom, heating appliances or ceiling fans. Avoid installing alarms near windows, doors, forced-air registers or fireplaces as drafts could detour smoke away from the units.
Maintenance
- Replace the batteries at least once a year. A good way to reminder to change the batteries in your alarms is when you change your clocks to or from daylight savings time. Clean your alarms twice a year as dust can affect the sensitivity of the device. NEVER paint a smoke alarm.
Testing and Replacement
- Test your alarm once a month. If the detector does not respond, replace the batteries. If there is still not response to the testing, replace the unit with a new one. Smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older need to be replaced immediately.
Escape Route
- If your alarm goes off, make sure your family has an escape route planned and rehearsed for a quick exit. Everyone needs to know the second escape route in case the first is blocked by smoke and or fire. Meet outside at a predetermined location and NEVER go back into a burning building.
Inspections of properties occur throughout the year. In addition, they are also conducted by request or where a threat to life may be of concern.
The Chief Fire Prevention Officer reviews blueprint drawings and carries out site inspections of new construction involving fire safety equipment required by the Ontario Building Code. The inspector also conducts regular fire safety inspections of all types of occupancies defined by the Ontario Building Code. Annual inspections include apartment buildings, restaurants, gas and service stations, township buildings, schools and daycare centers, industrial and mercantile sites, retirement homes and local industries. The inspector responds to citizen complaints regarding fire safety concerns and is active in public education.
Click here to link to the Fire Fees and Charges By-law.
Regulations and conditions regarding setting of fires:
- No fire shall be lighted or started until the local fire station is notified of your intention. NO CALLS BEFORE 7 AM
- No fire shall be lighted or started within a radius of 30 metres (100 ft) of any buildings, dry grass, grain field or wood lot.
- No fire shall be lighted or started when the wind velocity exceeds 16km (10 miles per hour).
- No fire shall be lighted or started prior to 7:00 AM and after sunset on any day. Any fire operation at sunset shall be extinguished.
- The fire shall be supervised at all times by an adult (18 years or older).
- The fire shall be kept small and controllable with the extinguishing agent present at location at all times.
- Burn materials include wood and paper products only. No tires, asphalt shingles, pesticides or containers, electrical wire coatings or any plastic products that violate M.O. E. regulations.
- The holder of the permit shall be fully responsible for all damages caused by the fire.
Failure to comply with conditions may result in refusal to grant permission to light fires in the future and may cause the Fire Department to immediately extinguish the fire. You may also be subject to fines and or associated liability for any and all costs associated with enforcing the conditions described above.
The above is an overview of the actual bylaw 72-2001 and restrictions. Please contact the Fire Department for a copy of the complete bylaw. Fire permits are available from the Township Office 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday.
Always supervise children and pets around your camp site or open fire.
The following tips are offered by the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.
Follow these suggestions to keep your tree fresh and safe:
- If you buy a tree several days before you plan to set it up, store the tree outdoors or on a cool porch or patio until you are ready to decorate it. An area that provides protection from the wind and sun will help the tree retain its moisture.
- If you plan to store the tree for several days, make a straight cut across the butt end of the tree about one inch from the end. This opens the tree stem so it can take up water. Store the tree upright and place the butt end in a container of water.
- Trees are thirsty. They may drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed. A stand, which holds at least four litres of water, is recommended. If you allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree, a seal will form just as it does on a cut flower and a new cut will be necessary.
- Keep your tree away from all heat sources and make sure it does not block a doorway.
- Check all decorative lights before placing them on the tree and discard any frayed or damaged lights and cords.
- Never place lighted candles on or near the Christmas tree.
- When large amounts of needles begin to fall off, it is time to get rid of the tree.
The Office of the Fire Marshal offers the following fireworks safety tips:
- To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.
- We suggest attending public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization.
- If you shill choose to have family or informal neighbourhood fireworks display, check with your local fire department about regulations.
- Handling and discharging of fireworks must only be done by adults. Appoint one person to be in charge, who knows about the hazards of fireworks and essential safety precautions.
- Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by.
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
- Light only one firework at a time, and never try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Never re-light "dud" fireworks. It is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal garbage can.
- Never give sparklers to small children. While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
Click here to link to the Fire Fees and Charges By-law.
