| News Release Communiqué |
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TORONTO, Ontario, March 11, 2002
-- Too many children are dying needlessly in fires, and it's time adults
started behaving more responsibly, said Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle.
“An average of 15 children die from fires in Ontario every year. Many more
suffer injuries. Four separate fires this year have claimed the lives of two
children and caused serious injury to two others. All of these fires are
believed to have been caused by matches, lighters or lit candles. I am
pleading with parents and caregivers to protect children from fire by
ensuring children do not have access to matches, lighters or lit candles,”
the Fire Marshal stated.
“Children often have a fascination with fire and can be the victims of the
fires they start. Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of
children, preferably locked up. Display candles in sturdy holders, away from
pets and children and extinguish them before leaving the room. The fire
service cannot prevent deaths and injuries on their own, we need parents and
caregivers to restrict access to these potentially deadly devices.”
It is the law in Ontario that every home has working smoke alarms. The fire
service recommends you have one on every level of the home and outside
sleeping areas. In the event of a fire, it is critical that everyone know
what to do and where to go by developing and practicing a home escape plan
with your entire family.
The Fire Marshal’s concern for the safety of children in Ontario has
resulted in the production of three hard-hitting public service ads to be
released later this month. Video footage of an actual fire clearly shows
that you can have less than three minutes to get out of your home once a
fire starts.
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Contact:
Janice Johnston
Office of the Fire Marshal
416-325-3151
Rodney Porter
Office of the Fire Marshal
416-325-3120
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