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Location:  Publications > Press > News Release--December 4, 2000 (Remember December)

News Release Communiqué
Ministry of the Solicitor General Office of the Fire Marshal	Ministère du Solliciteur général Bureau du commissaire des incendies

Toronto, Ontario, December 4, 2000. -- Fire safety must receive a higher priority in homes throughout Ontario to avoid the higher than average number of fire deaths during the holiday season, representatives from the Ontario fire service warned today.

Solicitor General David Tsubouchi, Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle, Toronto Fire Chief Alan Speed and former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Rick Vaive made a public appeal for holiday fire safety at a news conference today. In 1999, Ontario recorded the lowest fire death rate in its history, but December was a tragic month. Eighteen people, including eight children, died as a result of needless fires. This was the highest December total since 1989 and almost twice the monthly average for 1999.

"The unacceptably high number of fire deaths in December last year demonstrates an urgent need for people to be aware of fire safety during the holidays," said Minister Tsubouchi. "Only by working together can we help make Ontario one of the most fire-safe jurisdictions in North America all year round."

"While all fire deaths are extremely upsetting, it's particularly heartbreaking when the victims are children. So many years of potential life are lost," said the Fire Marshal. "Many of these fires are caused by people attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol, or people forgetting to make sure their smoke alarms work. I am imploring the public to help the fire service stop these preventable deaths."

"Most people think that fire will never happen to them. Unfortunately, these statistics prove otherwise," said Chief Speed. "Please, don't let this happen to you or your community! Let's remember the tragedies last December. If we all take a few extra precautions, we can prevent a repeat of last year's devastating losses and ensure a fire safe and happy holiday season."

For December, remember these fire safety messages:

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home - trailer, apartment or house - and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms detect fire and smoke early.

• Smoke and fire move quickly, so develop and review a home escape plan with every member of your family. Identify two ways out of your home in case of fire.

• People who smoke and cook while under the influence of alcohol cause many fires. Drink responsibly and keep an eye on those who don't.

• Keep matches and lighters in a locked cabinet and out of sight and reach of children.