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Fire Prevention Week: Oct. 5 to 11, 2025
Charge into Fire Safety!
From Oct. 5 to 11, Orillia Fire and the City of Orillia recognize Fire Prevention Week to help educate the community on fire safety and preparedness. This year’s theme, as announced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” and strives to educate everyone about about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.
Three Important Lithium Battery Safety Steps:
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
Find a battery recycling location
Saved by the Beep: Sept. 28, 2025
Test your smoke alarms. Every month.
In 2023, fire fatalities reached a record high in Ontario - the highest seen in 20 years. In too many of these cases, it was determined there were no working smoke alarms in the home.
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) set out to create a province-wide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of working smoke alarms. The result? Test Your Smoke Alarm Day and the "Saved By The Beep!" public education campaign every Sept. 28. For the past two years, you've shown up and supported this initiative in-person, pledged to test your smoke alarms every month, and shared this important message on social media using the hashtag #SavedByTheBeep.
Let's keep that momentum going! Remember - we can all be saved by the beep!
Remember these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home;
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button;
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested; and
- Make sure the smoke alarms in your home meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Backyard Burning
Family cookout, bonfire, fire pit, open air burning and camp fire are some more of the common terms used to describe having a fire on your property.
Remember - Open Air Burning Is Restricted in Orillia
The City of Orillia has adopted an Open Air Burning By-law that outlines where, when, how and if you can have a recreational fire on your property. An open air fire in your backyard that is not in conformance with the by-law could result in a fine of $350.00 plus the victim surcharge fee of $75.00.
There are things to consider if you are allowed to have a fire on your property which must conform to the Open Air Burning By-law:
- Is there a Fire Ban? (Check this site and local media for advisories).
- Is there an Open Air Burning Advisory? (Check this site and local media for advisories).
- Wind velocity must be 24 km/hr or less.
- Will smoke and smells bother my neighbours?
- Is there a responsible adult available to supervise, on site, at all times?
- Is the outdoor fireplace at least 5 m from property lines or combustibles?
- Are there trees, phone or power lines above the area?
- Is the outdoor fireplace smaller than 1 m in any direction?
- Use only clean dry firewood, burning any waste materials is prohibited.
Burning things like leaves, backyard brush, garbage or excess building materials is not allowed. These types of items should go to the landfill site.
If you are unsure please call before you burn, it's smarter and cheaper in the long run.
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