| News Release Communiqué |
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Ontario’s Chief Coroner, Dr. Barry McLellan and Fire Marshal
of Ontario, Bernard Moyle are appealing to owners and residents of apartment
buildings and other multi-unit dwellings to take extreme caution this winter
to prevent fire.
“Every year, the Coroner’s Office sees victims of fires that occurred in
multi-unit dwellings,” says Dr. McLellan. “In many instances, a few simple
precautions would have prevented these tragedies.”
For owners and building managers of multi-unit dwellings, the following
safety measures will help to avoid disaster and are requirements of the
Ontario Fire Code:
Ensure the building’s fire alarm system is operational and that each living unit is equipped with a working smoke alarm.
Ensure that if self-closing door mechanisms are required in the building, they are kept fully functional.
Keep hallways and exits from living units unobstructed by items such as motorized scooters.
If the building is required to have a fire safety plan, make sure it is posted and that all occupants are aware of it and know what to do in case of a fire.
Ensure tenants know to keep exits clear, door closing devices functional and smoke alarms working at all times.
The Fire Marshal encourages everyone in Ontario who lives in an
apartment to prevent fire in their homes by taking extra care when cooking or
smoking and when using candles or portable space heaters. It is also important
that everyone know what to do if a fire occurs by developing and practicing a
home fire escape plan.
“When you live in a multi-unit dwelling, your actions may impact on all the
other occupants of the building,” says Dr. McLellan. “Following good fire safety
practices will help keep everyone safe from fire.”
In 2004, 100 people died as a result of fires in Ontario. Twenty-two of these
deaths occurred in multi-unit dwellings.
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For information, contact:
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Bev Gilbert |
Dr. Peter Clark |
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