The current forest fire danger rating for most areas in the Nipissing District are at extreme. Starting Thursday June 1 at 12:01am, The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have implemented a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) for the Northeast Region and part of Southern Region. Effective immediately the City of North Bay, is issuing a total fire ban. During a total fire ban, NO fires of any type are permitted at any time including for cooking and warmth.
Extra caution should also be taken when using equipment/tools that may produce heat:
With increasing temperatures, dry conditions and the threats taking place in much of the country, a total fire ban is needed to ensure the health and safety of our communities. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) fire danger rating is verified daily and is determined using the Fire Weather Index (FWI), an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air. The FWI uses factors such as relative humidity, temperature, previous 24-hour rain amount, wind directions and more to determine the risk level.
Jason Whiteley
Fire Chief/ CEMC
Emergency Preparedness Week: “Be Ready for Anything”
Across Canada, Emergency Preparedness Week (May 1-7, 2022) asks Canadians to “Be Ready for Anything!” and take action to prepare for unexpected emergencies. Extreme weather, flooding and wildfire are prime examples of hazards becoming more common which can severely impact communities. Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face - whether natural or human-induced.
Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime and during these events, response agencies such as Police, Fire and EMS will focus their efforts first where the need is greatest which is why individual emergency preparedness is so important. The first 72 hours of an emergency are critical and every family should be prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible.
By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anywhere, anytime. It is important to:
Visit www.getprepared.ca and https://firesmartcanada.ca/ for more resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies.
This week, we encourage you to take concrete actions to be better prepared. Please do your part! Experience has shown that individual preparedness goes a long way to help people cope better - both during and after a major disaster. Get an emergency kit now - it can make a world of difference.
The 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist below outlines the basic items every individual should have:
Contact:
Fire Chief, Jason Whiteley
705-474-0626 ext. 4801
Jason.whiteley@northbay.ca
Bylaw amendments related to outdoor burning take effect
North Bay, ON – Feb. 23, 2022 – The City of North Bay’s amended bylaw regulating the setting of fires and the precautions to be taken with open-air burning and the use of gas fired outdoor appliances is now in effect.
The amended bylaw, which was approved by Council Tuesday following three readings, changes the times that outdoor fires are allowed within the City to between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. Previously, outdoor fires were permitted between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. A permit is still required for all open-air fires within City limits.
The change provides an additional 30 minutes of burning time and is expected to benefit young families, while helping to reduce nuisance complaints related to late-night burning.
Additionally, the amended bylaw repeals a restriction previously in place that prohibited the use of barbecues on balconies, roof tops or decks above the first storey of a building. It is now the responsibility of building owners, condominium boards and management representatives to determine if barbecues will be permitted.
North Bay Fire and Emergency Services personnel are available to offer guidance to building owners, condominium boards and management representatives regarding the changes.
The amended bylaw comes as a result of recent review of the rules previously in place.
Please see the Burning Permits and By-Laws section for more details.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Extends Beyond Your Home
North Bay Fire & Emergency Services, January 8, 2021 – While packing up to head to the ice shack or camp, consider if a carbon monoxide alarm and batteries should be added to your list. It’s easy to forget that the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning extend beyond your home. If you have a heating or cooking device at your ice hut or cabin that burns fuel such as wood, propane, natural gas, kerosene, oil or charcoal; it can emit deadly levels of CO if it is not designed for indoor use, malfunctions or is not properly ventilated.
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t smell it, see it or taste it and if it goes undetected, high level exposure can cause death within minutes.
Tips to Protect Yourself:
Carbon Monoxide Safety in Your Home
You are required by law to have a working CO alarm outside each sleeping area if your home is equipped with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide in your home:
Know the sound of your CO alarm and maintain them:
For more CO safety tips, visit the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management’s website and COsafety.ca.
Recreational and Non-Recreational Burning Permits are now available online
The Ontario Fire Marshal advises Ontarians to follow recommendations of medical and health professionals on proper use and cleaning of personal protective equipment and to NEVER use microwave ovens to sterilize a cloth or paper face mask.
North Bay, ON – February 17, 2017 – In the wake of a fatal fire in Brampton, Ont. on Tuesday, February 14, the North Bay Fire and Emergency Services wants to remind the public to make sure that they have working smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas, and have practiced a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.
It has not yet been determined if there were working smoke alarms in the fatal fire in Brampton.
“Many fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep, so early warning is crucial to survival,” says Fire Chief Jason Whiteley. “The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, our fire department is recommending that you also install a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms.”
Just as important as having working smoke alarms is making sure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do to escape before a fire occurs.
“We want to make sure these types of tragedies do not happen in North Bay,” continued Chief Whiteley.
Simple smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:
Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:
For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:
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