Fire Prevention

Home Fire Prevention

Whether at home, at work or on vacation, we all have a shared responsibility to keep our families safe from fire. Sadly, many of the fires that happen across Ontario every year were preventable, and most fatal fires are unintentional and could have been prevented. Over 10 years, OFMEM Fire Investigators have determined that 51% were unintentional/preventable.

It's your responsibility to keep your family and home safe from fires. There are three key areas to saving lives and your property, when it comes to fire in your home - prevention, detection and escape.

Prevention

Prevent fires before they start! The following information will help you spot the dangers so you can prevent a fire from happening.

Image of a living room with a 'No Fires' sign infront

Learn about:

Detection

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often, victims never wake up. Working smoke alarms give you the precious time you need to escape a fire.

Maintain working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside every sleeping area
Consider installing residential sprinklers when building a new home or doing major renovations

Learn more about:

Escape

If a fire occurred in your home tonight, would your family be able to get out safely? It is important that everyone know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds.

Plan and practice a home escape plan

Maintaining Fire and Life Safety in Buildings

Ensuring fire and life safety is paramount for all buildings, regardless of occupancy status. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to protect occupants and property. Below is a general guide to key areas that require attention:

Means of Egress

Ensure all exits are clear, unobstructed, and easily accessible
All egress doors are working properly and can be opened from the inside

Emergency and Exit Lighting

Complete monthly test and inspections
Exit signs are properly illuminated and unobstructed
Emergency lighting units are functioning properly

Fire Extinguishers

Complete monthly inspection
Confirm that fire extinguishers are properly charged and not damaged
Ensure fire extinguishers are readily accessible

Fire Alarm

Complete monthly test and inspections
No trouble, supervisory or alarm signals
Manual pull stations are accessible
Smoke and heat detectors are unobstructed

Fire Route

Keep fire routes clear of obstructions to allow emergency vehicles quick access to the building

Electrical

Conduct routine inspections of electrical systems to identify and address potential hazards
Temporary wiring (extension cords) are not used as permanent wiring

Sprinkler Systems/Standpipe Systems

Complete monthly and bi-monthly inspections
Sprinkler heads are unobstructed (45 cm)
Check for leaks
Fire Department connections are accessible and not blocked by curb side pick-up items etc.
Standpipe hoses and hose connections are accessible

Exhaust and Fire Protection for Cooking Operations

Filters are clean and undamaged
Suppression system nozzles are clean and aimed correctly at appliances
Fire extinguishing agent cylinder gauges are undamaged and the indicator is in the operable range
Exhaust fan is clean and undamaged

Annual Inspections

Ensure annual inspections for the fire protection systems noted have been carried out.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of requirements, but rather a general guide. All requirements can be found in the Ontario Fire Code. If you have any questions regarding these or any other fire code requirements, we can be reached at 905-883-5444 or by email.

Commercial Outdoor Patio Fire Safety Tips

Owners and operators of outdoor patios and dining areas are responsible for:

the safe installation, operation and maintenance of their patio heating units
abiding by all safety instructions outlined in the operating manual for their heating appliances
ensuring staff understand how to safely operate the heating units and handle propane cylinders
ensuring compliance with any municipal requirements and applicable codes, and shall not create a hazard eg. enclosures, obstructed exist, etc.
ensuring all electrical installations are approved for outdoor use and comply with Canadian Electrical Code

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services encourages all owners and operators to consult with TSSA's Patio Heater Safety Guidelines and NFPA's Outdoor Patio Heaters Fact Sheet.

City of Richmond Hill