To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries, the Ontario Fire Marshal is urging Ontarians to include fire safety into their holiday weekend plans.

“It’s important for cottages, cabins and seasonal homes to be fire safe,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. “Consider purchasing new smoke alarms and batteries in case they need replacing. Test carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are operating properly, particularly if there is a fuel-burning appliance in the dwelling. Heating appliances should be checked by a qualified technician (for faulty wiring) and chimneys for animal nests before they are used.“

 “Fireworks are extremely dangerous and for this reason, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal cottage displays. This weekend, leave fireworks to the professionals. Plan to attend public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization,” continued Burke.

QUICK FACTS

•  Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. It’s the law for all Ontario homes, cottages, cabins and seasonal homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.

• Know the telephone number for the local fire department and your cottage’s emergency sign number, in case of emergency.

• Keep barbecue lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.

• If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations regarding fireworks.

LEARN MORE

Fireworks Safety Tips
From the Office of the Fire Marshal

• To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.
• The fire service recommends attending public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization.
• If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations regarding fireworks. Here are some important safety tips to be followed:
  •  Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
  •  Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
  •  Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
  •  Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
  •  Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
  •  Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
  •  Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
  •  Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
  •  If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.
  •  The Ontario fire service is strongly discouraging the public from purchasing Flying Lanterns, which resemble small, paper, hot air balloons, fuelled by an ignited wax candle. This product has the potential to land on trees, building rooftops or other property while still ignited and can result in a severe fire. The Office of the Fire Marshal believes this product poses a public fire safety hazard and strongly urges the public to refrain from purchasing and using this product.

Cottage Fire Safety Tips
From the Office of the Fire Marshal

•  To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service recommends the following cottage fire safety tips:
• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. It’s the law for all Ontario homes, cottages, cabins and seasonal homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
  •  Test smoke alarms at least monthly or each time you return to the cottage. Pack a new smoke alarm and extra smoke alarm batteries in case they need replacement.
  •  Install and ensure carbon monoxide alarms in your cottage if it has a fuel-burning appliance.
  •  Develop and practice a home fire escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds.
  •  Know the telephone number for the local fire department and your cottage’s emergency sign number, in case of emergency.
  •  Clean barbecues before using them. Keep an eye on lit barbecues and ensure all combustibles, as well as children and pets are kept well away from them. Fires can happen when barbecues are left unattended.
  •  Keep barbecue lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
  •  Remember to bring a flashlight with extra batteries.
  •  Check heating appliances and chimneys before using them.
  •  Check with your local fire department, municipality, or Ministry of Natural Resources to determine whether open air burning is permitted before having a campfire or burning brush. If open burning is allowed, fires should be built on bare soil or on exposed rock. Remove leaves and twigs from around the fire to keep it from spreading. Always keep a bucket of water, sand, or even a shovel close by and supervise the fire at all times.
  •  If you must smoke, do so outside. Keep a large can with water nearby so cigarette butts can be safely discarded. If you drink, do so responsibly. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are contributing factors in many fires and can lead to serious injuries.
  •  Burn candles in sturdy candleholders that will not tip and are covered with a glass shade. When you go out, blow out!

Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Copyright 2009

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Gina Pontikas, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3155
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178