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Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Office of the Fire Marshal |
Ministère de la Sécurité
communautaire et des Services correctionnels |
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Place Nouveau Building 7th Floor 5775 Yonge Street North York ON M2M 4J1 Telephone 416-325-3100 Facsimile: 416-325-3162 |
Édifice Place Nouveau |
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For Immediate Release
Ontario’s new Fire Marshal urges caution this holiday season
Toronto (December 11, 2006) –
Ontario’s new Fire Marshal is urging families to be especially vigilant about
fire safety over the holiday season, which is one of the deadliest times of the
year for home fires.
“This is a very busy time for many people and it’s easy to get distracted or
forgetful,” said Fire Marshal Patrick Burke. “All it takes is for a pot to be
left on the stove, or a candle left burning unattended, and a family’s holiday
celebrations can go up in smoke.”
“People really need to pay attention to potential fire hazards in their homes,”
said Burke. Cooking, smoking, candles and heaters can all present fire risks and
need to be monitored.
“I would also like to remind everyone about the law requiring working smoke
alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas,” continued Burke. “Take a
few minutes to test your smoke alarms and install new batteries, if needed. “
Between November 1, 2005 and January 31, 2006, 24 Ontarians lost their lives in
preventable home fires. Research indicates that over 90% of residential fires
are preventable.
Enjoy a fire safe holiday season by following these tips from the Office of the
Fire Marshal:
Cooking is a major cause of home fires, so don’t leave the kitchen if there’s something cooking on the stove. If a pot catches fire, don’t try to move it. Cover the pot with a lid to smother the flames and turn off the burner.
If the smoke alarm activates when you’re cooking, do not remove the batteries. Try moving the smoke alarm, or install an alarm with a hush feature.
Lit candles should be placed in sturdy candleholders that won’t tip and covered with a glass shade. Candles should be situated away from children, pets and any combustible items.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Drink responsibly and keep an eye on those who do not. Excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor in many residential fires.
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To download holiday fire safety public service announcements,
visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca. For more
information or to arrange an interview with a representative from the Office of
the Fire Marshal, contact:
Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, (416) 325-3138
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, (416) 325-3178
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