Fire Safety and Prevention | City of Orillia

Fire prevention is a key part of the Orillia Fire Department’s work and serves as the first line of defense for fire safety. Our team identifies hazards, enforces fire codes, inspects properties and shares important fire safety education.

Fire safety starts with you. Together, we can prevent injuries, save lives and protect property.

Effective January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code has new requirements regarding carbon monoxide. Learn when and where to install Carbon Monoxide alarms.

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility

Home safety

Smoke and CO alarms: Test and clean monthly. Replace if over 10 years old.

Escape plan: Practice your home escape plan, know two-ways out, and set a meeting spot outside.

Get out and stay out: Your safety comes first! Items can be replaced, you can't.

Kitchen safety: Look while you cook. Turn off burners and ovens when done, keep combustibles away, avoid loose clothing, and use rear burners with pot handles turned in.

Fire extinguishers: Keep them in easy-to-reach spots. Know how to use them correctly.

Dryer safety: Regularly clean lint and vents, use proper metal ducting, avoid overloading or drying flammable items, and ensure safe installation and monitoring to prevent fire hazards.

Candle safety: Chose quality candles with sturdy holders, keep them away from children, pets and flammable items, trim wicks, and never leave a candle unattended – When you go out, Blow out!

BBQs and fire pits: Clean and check your BBQ and propane connections, test for leaks, light with the lid open, keep children/pets and flammables away, never leave it unattended, and turn the gas off at the tank when finished. See Open-Air Burning Bylaw for more information

Smoking and cigarettes: Ensure all cigarettes are properly extinguished, smoke outside with an appropriate ash tray, dispose of cigarettes safely and never smoke in bed.

Electrical safety: Avoid overloading outlets, replace frayed or damaged cords, and keep electrical cords out of reach of children.

Portable generators: Never run inside your home or garage. Purchase with recognized approval labels (CSA and ULC). Always store fuel outside your home.

Smoke and CO alarms

When alarms sound: Leave the home immediately and ask questions later.

Placement: Install alarms on every floor and outside all sleeping areas. Mount on the ceiling, away from fans and windows. Follow manufacturer instructions from proper placement.

Alarm types: Combination ionization/photoelectric alarms provide best protection.

Maintenance: Test alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly. Ensure alarms are replaced every 10 years.

Consider accessibility features: Flashing strobe lights for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Pillow or bed shakers to wake sleeping individuals. Low-frequency alarms wake people with mild to severe hearing loss.

Cooking safety

Stay alert: Look while you cook. Never leave cooking unattended. Avoid cooking if tired, under the influence, or taking medication that causes drowsiness.

Keep it clean: Maintain clean cooking areas, free of grease buildup. Keep flammable items (i.e. towels, oven mitts, paper) away from heat sources.

Prevent burns and fires: Turn pot handles inward. Use oven mitts when handling hot pans or trays. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, never use water! For oven or microwave fires, keep the door closed, turn off the power, and ventilate afterward.

Children and Pets: Keep them at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from cooking areas.

Plan ahead: Know what to do in case of a kitchen fire—alert everyone, evacuate, and call 911. Get out & stay out.

Lithium-ion batteries

Use safely: Only use manufacturer-approved equipment (i.e. chargers and cord) for the device. Never use damaged or swollen batteries. Charge on hard, flat surfaces – away from beds, couches, and flammable materials. Never leave batteries charging unattended or overnight.

Storage and handling: Avoid extreme heat or cold. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. Never puncture or crush.

During use: Avoid extreme temperatures and stop using it if hot, smoking or smelling. Never disassemble.

Disposal and recycling: Take used or damaged batteries to designated recycling or hazardous waste facilities. Never in household garbage or recycle bins.

Emergency: If a battery overheats or smokes, move it outside if safe, and call 911 immediately. Do not use water.

Seasonal safety

Seasonal properties: Must have a working smoke/CO alarm on every floor.

Fire hydrants: Keep fire hydrants clear of snow, ice, and debris with at least 1 metre (3 feet) of space around them so firefighters can access them quickly in an emergency.

Heating safety: Have central heating, fireplaces, and woodstoves serviced annually, keep flammables away, use screens and seasoned wood, ensure CO alarms are working, and dispose of ashes safely.

Space heaters: Keep at least 1 metre (3 feet) of clear space, never cover or place near furniture, and turn off when unattended.

Christmas trees: Water fresh trees daily.

Decorative lights: Inspect all sets of lights before decorating to ensure they are in good condition.

Frozen water pipes: Never use open flames; thaw frozen pipes with hot water or a CSA/ULC-approved device like a hand-held dryer.

Halloween safety: Keep decorations away from heat, use battery-operated candles, ensure electrical decorations are CSA/ULC-approved, and avoid overloading cords or circuits.

Fire safety planning

Fire safety planning helps protect people, property, and the community. The Orillia Fire Department requires fire safety plans for many buildings, including apartments, businesses, and large facilities. These plans outline emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and maintenance of fire protection systems.

Through inspections, education, and enforcement of fire codes, the City works with property owners and residents to reduce fire risks and ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency.

Home escape plan

If a fire happened in your home today, would your family know what to do? Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely when the smoke alarm sounds.

Every home should have working smoke alarms, clear exits, and a safe meeting place outside. Plan two ways out of each room and practice your escape plan together.

Fire inspections

Request an inspection for residential, commercial, industrial, and other properties to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. Inspection services include routine inspections, complaint investigations, fire safety plan reviews, and licensing approvals.

Request a fire inspection

Fireworks

Fireworks are not permitted in the City of Orillia. The only exception is for displays at Couchiching Beach Park that have been approved by Council and authorized with a special event permit. Contact Recreation Services for information on special event permits.

To report violations, call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 at the time of occurrence.

Open air burning

Backyard fires, such as fire pits, bonfires, and campfires are regulated in the City of Orillia. The Open Air Burning By-law sets the rules for recreational fires.

No permit is required, but City regulations must be followed. In an emergency, call 911.

Know before you burn

To burn safely, you must follow the City's Open-Air Burning By-law. You will be fined if your backyard fire is not in conformance.

Environmental: Check for fire bans or advisories. Wind must be 24 km/h or less.

Size and distance: Keep fires at least 5 metres (16.4 ft) from buildings and property lines. Fire size must be under 1 metre (3.2 ft) in any direction.

Supervision: Ensure a responsible adult supervises at all times.

Surroundings: Avoid smoke that may affect neighbours. Keep clear of trees, power lines, and overhead hazards.

Materials: Only burn clean, dry firewood.

Prohibited materials: Burning leaves, brush, garbage or construction materials is not allowed.

Source to Extinguish: Keep a water source or other means to extinguish the fire readily available.

Before you burn, check the fire danger rating. Not sure if your property meets the Open-Air Burning By-law? Contact the Orillia Fire Department.

Vulnerable occupancies

Ensuring proper fire safety in vulnerable occupancies helps protect those at higher risk and supports a safe, prepared community.

Vulnerable occupancies are buildings where people require assistance to escape from a fire. This can include seniors, individuals requiring assistance, or residents unfamiliar with fire safety procedures.

Care facilities

The Orillia Fire Department works with care facilities to keep residents, staff, and visitors safe. Compliance with the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 150/13) is essential to protect everyone and meet provincial standards.

Key Fire Safety Requirements:

Fire alarm systems must be installed, maintained, and tested regularly.
All exit routes must be clearly marked and illuminated.
Hallways, doors, and stairwells must remain unobstructed at all times.
Conduct regular fire drills for staff and residents.
Written plans must exist and staff must be trained on procedures.
Employees need training on fire prevention, evacuation, and fire protection equipment.
Sprinklers and other systems must be installed, inspected, and maintained.
Enforce strict controls, including designated smoking areas and safe ashtray use.

Following these requirements helps ensure care facilities are prepared for emergencies and provide a safe environment for everyone.

Student housing

Fire safety matters in student housing. Make sure smoke and CO alarms work, keep exists clear and know your building’s escape plan. Small steps can protect you, your roommates, and your neighbours.

Ask questions, inspect the unit, and know your rights.

Ask the right questions: Is this apartment legal? Was a building permit issued for this dwelling unit? How many people are renting the dwelling?

Know the Limits: Max 4 renters per unit.

Extinguisher training

Group fire extinguisher training is available for workplaces, organizations, and community groups. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher, respond to small fires, and understand basic fire safety practices. Contact the Orillia Fire Department at ofd@orillia.ca to request extinguisher training.

Reporting a fire safety hazard

If you have a concern about a potential fire hazard or risk to people or property, please contact the Orillia Fire Department at ofd@orillia.ca. In the event of a fire or emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.