Long Weekend Fire Safety Tips

With a chill in the air this Victoria Day weekend, North Bay Fire & Emergency Services would like to provide a few pointers to the die-hard campers and cottage goers as well as for the safe use of fireworks. May ‘2-4’ is a time for celebration….not tragedy.

At the Cottage
• Pack a supply of batteries for smoke and CO alarms and/or replacement alarms for older models. Remember, the low battery warning may have sounded during the winter months leaving the alarm inoperable;
• check burners and exhaust systems of all appliances for blockages or obstructions such as insects, rodent nests, rust fragments or other debris that could lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide;
• have propane or gas-fired appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and heaters inspected and/or repaired by a TSSA certified technician;
• use fuel burning space heaters according to the manufactures instructions and only in well ventilated areas. Every year, unsuspecting campers are seriously injured or killed due to carbon monoxide poisoning as the result of improper use;
• clean your barbecue and check for any fuel leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap and keep in mind barbecues are approved for outdoor use only.

Around the Campsite
• Ensure open-fires are permitted by local and provincial authorities. Clean up the fire pit and cut back any branches or brush that may have grown too close; and
• use only paper or kindling when starting a fire at your campsite. Be sure the fire is in a safe, open area, well away from flammables and other natural combustibles;
• Never leave a fire unattended.

Fireworks
* to minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family firework displays. If you choose to have such a display…
• Ensure the adult in charge has read and follows the directions on the fireworks package;
• discharge fireworks away from buildings, trees and dry grass;
• keep onlookers a safe distance away and only discharge if wind conditions do not create a hazard;
• light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground;
• have a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging, for dud fireworks wait 30 minutes then soak them in a bucket of water;
• keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and severe burns.

https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1687103

Warning - Scam hits North Bay

WARNING

North Bay Fire does not actively solicit citizens to set up appointments to check your smoke and CO alarms.  

 

Wildfire Education in North Bay

Firefighter Jim Daly will be assisting homeowners in North Bay to complete a wildland fire risk assessment (Fire Smart) of their property.  His focus will be on the wildland area and the wildland interface area of the community.   Homeowners completing the assessment will be given $5 off their 2019 open burning permit as an incentive and Thank You for helping to reduce the community fire risk.  To receive the discount property owners must bring in their completed assessment when renewing or obtaining a burning permit for the 2019 season.  For more information and a copy of the Fire Smart Risk Assessment Checklist see link below.

 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/wildfire-protection

 

North Bay Nugget article

 

North Bay firefighters have taken the lead in promoting fire suppressing misting systems

Local fires

Local Fires

Fire Chief urges residents to install smoke alarms and practice home fire escape plans

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:

• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every story of your home according to manufacturer’s recommendations.  
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button. 
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:

• Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible. 
• All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use. 
• If someone in your home has a disability, develop an escape plan with your household that takes into account their unique needs. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone who needs assistance to escape.
• Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for. 
• Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
• Practice your home fire escape plan.
• Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.

 

For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:

• Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance.
• Make sure your name is added to the persons who require assistance list in the fire safety plan, so the fire department knows which apartment you are in.
• Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.

Become a FireSmart Community

FireSmart Canada

Outdoor burning

Effective January 1, 2015 the urban portion of North Bay will be allowed to burn with a permit.  

Please see the Burning Permits and By-Laws section for more details.