Activities - What's Hot! - Fire

The Orillia Fire Department is determined to reduce preventable fires that all too often result in tragic injuries or deaths over the holiday season. Many needless fires can easily be prevented by paying close attention to some common causes of home fires.

How do I protect my family during the holidays?

Cooking is the Leading Cause of Home Fires

• Please, stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove.
• Keep an eye on anyone consuming alcohol in your household and make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished and the stove is off before going to bed.
• Cigarettes can smoulder among upholstered items for hours before igniting. Check sofas and chairs for cigarettes that may have fallen between the cushions.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers.
• Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Alcohol is a factor in many fatal fires involving smoking and cooking. Please, DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

The Facts About Candle Safety

When you go out, blow out! Always blow out candles before leaving the room.

• Candles may be pretty to look at and create a warm and inviting atmosphere but they are a leading cause of house fires and home fire deaths.
• Start by buying flamless candles and eliminate the danger and worry.
• Buy good quality candles that are smoke-free and drip-free.
• Secure candles in a sturdy holder, in a location where they can't be knocked over.
• Place a glass shade or hurricane chimney over candles.
• Make sure lit candles are kept out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep all combustible materials, including decorative items away from lit candles.

Remember that a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Are you protected by smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms?

• In 34% of fatal home fires there is no smoke alarm warning.
• Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
• CO alarms are required outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

For more information on CO alarms and smoke alarms visit our "Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms" information page.

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