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Fire Prevention and Education

Fire Safety in the Home

Keep you and your family safe! Learn how to handle lithium-ion batteries, test your smoke alarms, and get free assistance from firefighters through our Alarm Program. Explore essential fire safety information for homeowners, renters, and anyone concerned about fire hazards.

Lithium-ion battery safety

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters/e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and even cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode.

The problem

  • These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.
  • Sometimes batteries are not used the right way; batteries not designed for a specific use can be dangerous.
  • Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

Smoke alarms increase your chance of surviving a fire in your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will make you aware of the presence of the dangerous gas. According to the Ontario Fire Code, you must have a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm outside all sleeping areas of the home. In addition, smoke alarms are also required on every storey of the home.

Test your alarms monthly and know the sound of your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms; they are different.

If your alarm sounds, go outside and call 9-1-1.

Alarm Program

Firefighters can come to your home, for free, to replace batteries or fully install the correct number of alarms in your home.

The fire department can be available to assist with the inspection and testing of your Smoke/CO alarm(s). Please refer to the criteria below to see if you are eligible for additional resources from the department in the way of installation and/or batteries.

Complete the alarm program request form or call Fire Prevention at 705-789-5201, option 2.

Home Fire Sprinklers

Home sprinklers can:

  • Control or extinguish fires before the fire department arrives
  • Extinguish a fire with just one sprinkler
  • Protect property
  • Save lives
  • Reduce insurance costs

Learn more on the home fire sprinkler Canada website.

Apartments and Condos

Fire safety in apartments and condos:

  • Know the evacuation and fire safety procedures for your building
  • If you are unsure, ask your landlord or condo corporation

The Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services website offers more about fire safety and public education.

Fire Safety Complaints

If you suspect a fire code violation, please complete the fire safety complaint form.

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