Seasonal Fire Safety

The Township Fire and Emergency Services Department wants to ensure that all residents are safe throughout the four seasons. In the spring and summer, there are special challenges to keeping resident's safe and protecting property. Special consideration should be made to fire safety in the house, around the BBQ, at the Campfire, and in Recreational Vehicles and Motorhomes.

In the house

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and homeowners should change the batteries immediately if needed. For more information check out our section on smoke alarm maintenance & carbon monoxide detector maintenance.
Check your fire extinguishers.
Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords, replace where needed.
Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in case of incidents such as power outages and flooding.
Practice your families’ fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Check out the section on Home Escape Plan for more information.
Windows should be checked to ensure they open and close properly, in case they are needed as an exit
Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents
Recycle: Get rid of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. These items tend to pile up and can greatly contribute to the severity and spread of fire.
Check and clean filters above stove.
Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils.
Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.

Around the house

Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street.
Maintain a clear 'fire zone' of 10' around structures
Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances for animal nests and to ensure proper wiring.
Keep 100' of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use.
Remove leaves and trash from carports and garages: Combustible materials are dangerous if they are exposed to heated automobile components, especially under the vehicle.
Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals.
Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.
Let power equipment sit for approximately 30 minutes before placing it inside to be sure there is no possibility of fire.

Campfire Safety

Never build a campfire on a windy day. Sparks or embers from the fire could travel quite a distance setting an unintentional fire.
Watch the wind direction to ensure sparks aren't getting on flammable materials. Put the fire out if wind changes begin to cause concern.
Build campfires where they will not spread; well away from tents, trailers, dry grass, leaves, overhanging tree branches or any other combustible.
Build campfires in fire pits provided or on bare rock or sand, if no fire pit is provided.
Maintain a 2 to 3.5 metre (6 – 10 foot) clearance around your campfire.
Build a campfire surround with rocks to contain your campfire. Be aware that rocks obtained from the river may explode due to moisture in the rock becoming superheated by the campfire.
Use crumpled paper and/or kindling to start a fire rather than using flammable liquids.
Never use gasoline as an aid to starting a campfire. If a fire starter is required, use only proper lighting fluid and use the lighting fluid sparingly. NEVER PUT IT ON AN OPEN FLAME since the fire can ignite the stream of lighting fluid and the flame will travel up the stream igniting the container in your hand and causing serious injury. Once the lighting fluid has been applied to the firewood, allow a few minutes for the explosive vapours to disperse before lighting. Remove the lighting fluid container a safe distance away before lighting the campfire.
Secure all lighters and matches and keep them out of children’s reach.
Keep campfires to a small, manageable size no more than 1 metre (3 feet) high by 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter and don't let it get out of hand.
Don't burn garbage in your campfire. The smell is unpleasant for you and your neighbours, and may attract animals to your campsite.
Keep all combustible materials, including flammable liquids, propane cylinders, lighting fluid, etc. away from the campfire.

BBQ Safety

All barbeque grills must only be used outdoors — using grills indoors or in enclosed spaces is not only a fire hazard, but it exposes occupants to toxic gasses and potential asphyxiation.
Always position the grill well away from combustible objects — buildings, fences, deck railings and landscaping can easily and quickly ignite.
Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.
Never leave a lit grill unattended.
Always use long handled grilling utensils and heat resistant oven mitts to avoid exposure burns from heat and flames.
Periodically remove grease build-up in catch trays to prevent it from igniting.
Keep a garden hose nearby, connected and ready for use in case of a fire.

Recreational Vehicle / Motorhome Safety

In an emergency, please make sure we can find you – SECONDS DO COUNT! When travelling in an RV, it’s crucial to know your location so emergency responders can find you in the event of an emergency. Be aware of your location and surroundings.
Confirm the local emergency numbers for police, fire and ambulance – is 911 service available in the area?
Most campgrounds are in more remote areas that may not provide cell phone coverage. Check your cell phone coverage.
When you call 911 from a regular land phone line emergency services receive enhanced 911 data indicating the address and municipality of where the call is originating, should the caller be unable to provide this information. This enhanced 911 data is not available for cell phone calls, so ensuring everyone knows the exact location in the event of an emergency is critical in obtaining a timely response from emergency services
When vacationing in an isolated area, keep in mind that help from emergency services may be some distance away. It’s vitally important that you eliminate your risk from fire and have a fire escape plan in place that everyone is familiar with and has practised. Have at least two escape routes – one in the front and one in the rear of the RV. Test all escape windows, hatches and door latches for smooth operation and keep all escape windows, hatches and doors clear of any obstructions. As soon as they are old enough, teach children how to open escape hatches and emergency exits and have them practise.
The first rule of RV firefighting is to save lives first and property second. Get yourself and your family to safety before attempting to extinguish any fire. Only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others should you use firefighting aids on hand. Re-emphasize to everyone aboard that objects can be replaced, people can’t! Never re-enter a burning RV to retrieve anything –GET OUT & STAY OUT!
Install and maintain at least one smoke alarm in your RV near the sleeping area. Special 12v smoke alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers. Depending on the size of your RV and placement of sleeping areas, more than one smoke alarm may be required.
Install and maintain at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your RV near the sleeping area. Special 12v carbon monoxide alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers. Be aware that residential style carbon monoxide alarms that plug directly into the electrical outlet require 110v power and would only work and sound an alarm when your RV is plugged into an electrical source at a campground, but would not function when you are on the road or operating off of your 12v battery supply. Consider that some low cost detectors cause false alarms, so be sure to obtain a quality unit. Do not select a detector just on its cost. It may not be adequate to do the job that is necessary when the time comes.
Install a propane leak alarm at floor level, no more than 6 inches above the floor or lowest level to alert you in the event of a propane leak. Propane gas, like gasoline fumes, tends to pool in low-lying spots and even a small spark can ignite it. If you have a leak, immediately evacuate the area and shut off the propane at the tank, if it is safe to do so.
Maintain the RV’s mechanical systems, such as radiator hoses, fuel lines, brake systems, transmission, etc., in good working order to eliminate the risk of any leaks or malfunctions that may result in a fire.
Ensure that the extension cord for connecting your RV to a campground’s 110v electricity supply is in good condition and of suitable gauge wire to handle the electrical load placed upon it. Damaged extension cords must be replaced immediately.
Check all electrical appliances for frayed cords and any other visible.
Electrical generators produce exhaust gasses, which contain carbon monoxide. It is important to have the exhaust pipes extend sufficiently past the side walls or rear of the RV so that prevailing air currents can disperse this lethal gas away from the vehicle and not have it drawn back into an open window on the RV.
Ensure that you allow the generator to cool down before re-fuelling. Always shut off the generator and any other fuel-burning appliances.
Driving with propane on can add to the danger if you are involved in an accident or have a fire. Shut off the propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances while driving. Operate your refrigerator on 12v battery power or simply leave it turned off. Most refrigerators will keep food cold or frozen for several hours, even when turned off.
When re-fuelling the propane tanks or the RV’s fuel tank it is important to shut off all interior burners, pilot lights, appliances, automatic ignition switches, as well as the RV’s motor and have all passengers exit the vehicle

The Township Fire and Emergency Services Department wants to ensure that all residents are safe throughout the four seasons. In the autumn, there are special challenges to keeping resident's safe and protecting property. Special consideration should be made to fire safety outside the House, Fireplaces and Woodstoves, and around Space Heaters.

Outside the House

Never park your car or truck over a pile of leaves. The heat from the vehicle's catalytic converter or exhaust system can ignite the leaves below. The resulting fire could destroy your vehicle.
Flammable liquids should not be stored in inside the home or in an attached garage or shed. This includes any unused fuel still in the fuel tank. Store this equipment away from your home or drain excess fuel out of the tank before storing. This simple safety precaution will help prevent accidental fires from escaping fuel vapours.
Remove fuel from lawn mowers before storing them for winter.
Prune back trees, and rake up leaves and debris. If you live in an open area with a lot of natural vegetation, consider creating a defensible fire zone around your home. Prune the bottom branches from trees and remove shrubs and trees within 20 feet of your home.
Don’t store cardboard boxes, paper or other flammable materials in the backyard. These materials provide ready fuel for a fire and all it takes is one spark.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Have heating appliances serviced and chimney flues examined for defects.

Have fireplaces and fireplace dampers checked.

Fireplaces should be equipped with an appropriate screen or glass enclosure to prevent sparks from flying out.

Wood burning stoves should be examined and the flue and chimney checked for creosote build-up. Creosote is a deposit from smoke that can build up in a chimney and can start a fire.

Use only seasoned woods, and avoid soft woods like Pine, etc.

Never use a flammable liquid to start a fireplace.

Never overload the hearth with wood or artificial logs, the resulting fire may be too large for the unit.

Put all ashes outdoors and away from the house in a metal container.

Space Heaters

Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.

Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.

Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.

Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.

Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.

The Township Fire and Emergency Services Department wants to ensure that all residents are safe throughout the four seasons. In the winter, there are special challenges to keeping resident's safe and protecting property. Special consideration should be made to fire safety regarding Christmas Trees, Lights and Electrical, Decorations, Fire Places, and Candle Safety.

Christmas Tree Safety

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green; needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic and do not block doorways.

Tree disposal after the holidays: When you’re ready to get rid of your tree, please do not burn it in the fireplace or wood stove. The rapid burning and excessive heat can damage the firebox and chimney creating a serious fire hazard.

Lights and Electrical Safety

Indoors or outside, always use CSA approved lights. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples, not nails or tacks, to hold strings in place. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).

Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Fireplace Safety

Do not remove fireplace embers or ash, or if you do, place them in a metal container with a lid and cover them with water. Do not place them in a plastic or paper bag or other container that is not fire-resistant. Do not dispose of them indoors or close to your home or another structure.

Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.

Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat.

Don't hang Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.

Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.

Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.

Use only seasoned and dried wood.

Never leave the fire unattended or let it smoulder.

Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials.

Don't use Christmas trees for firewood

Decorations Safety

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Candle Safety

Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep lit candles away from items that can catch fire

Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.

Don’t place lit candles near windows, where blinds or curtains may close or blow over them.

Don’t use candles in high traffic areas where children or pets could knock them over.

Never let candles burn out completely. Extinguish them when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material.

Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles.

Do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle or an accident is all it takes to start a fire.

During power outages, exercise caution when using candles as a light source. Many destructive fires start when potential fire hazards go unnoticed in the dark.

Never use a candle for light when fuelling equipment such as a camp fuel heater or lantern

Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to one-quarter inch (6.4 mm).

Be wary of buying novelty candles. Avoid candles surrounded by flammable paint, paper, dried flowers, or breakable/meltable containers.

Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder, and container candles before the last half-inch of wax begins to melt.

When buying or using novelty candles, try to determine if they pose a potential fire hazard (if they contain a combustible component for instance). If they do, or if you suspect that they might, inform your local fire department.

Use extreme caution when carrying a lit candle, holding it well away from your clothes and any combustibles that may be along your path.

Important Winter Tips

Ensure all entry/exits in your home are cleared from snow to ensure you can get out in case of a fire. Make sure all windows are not frozen in case you need to use these as an escape mechanism.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.