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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


Bureau du commissaire
des incendies

Ontario logo 
Place Nouveau Building
7th Floor
5775 Yonge Street
North York ON M2M 4J1
Telephone 416-325-3100
Facsimile: 416-325-3162

Édifice Place Nouveau
7e étage
5775 rue Yonge
North York ON M2M 4J1
Téléphone: 416-325-3100
Télécopieur: 416-325-3162

OFM logo


For Immediate Release  

ATTENTION: NEWSROOMS


Be fire-safe while participating in Earth Hour
 

TORONTO (March 27, 2008) - Earth Hour organizers are encouraging individuals, businesses and government to help reduce electricity and create awareness on climate change by turning their lights off for one hour. It is expected that millions of Ontarians will participate in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.

With the lights turned off, the fire services strongly recommends that people use flashlights or battery operated lanterns for light.

If you must use candles, you need to take special care to prevent fire:

“With an increase in candle use, there is an increased risk of fire,” explained Patrick Burke, Fire Marshal of Ontario. “Before you light any candles, make sure to test all of the smoke alarms in your home to ensure they are working.”

It’s the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home. Smoke alarms can provide an early warning of fire and a home fire escape plan will help ensure you and your family get out safely.

“While I do encourage everyone to get involved in this worthy initiative, I am strongly urging people to prevent fires while participating,” said Burke.

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For more information, please contact:
Marie Ainey, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3155