As cool and damp weather continues to dominate this summer’s forecast, the Ontario Fire Marshal is urging the public to use caution with heating appliances to prevent fires and related injuries at home and at the cottage.

With plans for a Civic Holiday getaway to the cottage or trailer, Ontarians need to pay close attention to potential fire hazards related to the use of fuel-burning appliances, space heaters and fireplaces. For early warning of an emergency, particular attention must be paid to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order.

QUOTES

“With the low temperatures this summer, Ontarians often need to turn on the heat to stay warm at night," said Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. “Portable space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces should be used with care. Keep space heaters at least one metre away from anything that can burn. Woodstoves and fireplaces should be cleaned regularly and chimneys checked to ensure there are no blockages.”

QUICK FACTS

Important fire safety tips for the cool summer include the following:

• Burn dry, well-seasoned wood in fireplaces and woodstoves to reduce the risk of excessive creosote build-up in chimneys.
•  Allow ashes from your woodstove or fireplace to cool before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.
• Keep space heaters at least one metre (3 feet) away from anything that can burn, including curtains, upholstery, and clothing.
•  Watch for smoke coming into the room. This could indicate a blockage in the chimney or a faulty damper control mechanism. Chimneys and stovepipes should be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from accumulations of combustible deposits. A qualified contractor should inspect them annually.
•  Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working in cottages, cabins and recreational vehicles.

The OFM reminds everyone that the Ontario Fire Code requires smoke alarms to be installed on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. This includes cottages, cabins and recreational vehicles. Failure to comply with this law can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000.

-30-

Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178