Fire Ban

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:

• Limit use of grinding tools and hot works outdoors;
• DO NOT drive any type of vehicle through long grass/brush as hot exhausts and engines can ignite dry ground cover; and
• Be safe and present when barbecuing.

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

Be Ready for Anything

                 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:

• Know the risks – Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better Risks such as severe storms causing major power outages, flooding and wildfire are examples.
• Make a plan – In an emergency, your family may not be together when disaster occurs or you may be asked to evacuate your Have a plan including how to communicate and where to meet.
• Prepare a 72 hour emergency kit – During an emergency you will need basic Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. You may have to ‘grab and go’ your emergency kit with little warning if evacuation is required, or shelter in place. Keep in mind, power and tap water may not be available and don’t forget supplies for your pets.
• Stay informed – Listen to local channels for updates. Have a portable radio with extra batteries or a crank radio in your 72 hour emergency kit.

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:

• Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration)
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water (4 litres per person per day)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Radio and batteries or crank radio
• Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
• First-aid kit
• Candles and matches/lighter
• Extra car keys and cash
• Important papers (identification)
• Clothing and footwear
• Blankets or sleeping bag
• Toilet paper and other personal items
• Medication
• Backpack/duffle bag
• Pet supplies including collar with identification
• Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
• Playing cards/travel games

Contact:

Fire Chief, Jason Whiteley

705-474-0626 ext. 4801

Jason.whiteley@northbay.ca

 

Outdoor burning times change

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

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:

1. Use extreme caution bringing fuel burning devices into enclosed spaces. Barbeques, camp stoves and portable fuel generators must only be used outdoors. Ensure that portable fuel-burning heaters are built for indoor use, vented properly and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

2. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. Ventilation is critically important whenever burning carbon based fuels.  Refer to the instruction manual and ensure that chimney flues and vents are not blocked by snow or debris.

 

3. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. If you experience symptoms under these conditions, quickly move outside to fresh air.  In instances where carbon monoxide is rapidly produced death can occur quickly. 

 

4. Install a carbon monoxide alarm. A CO alarm is the only way you will be alerted of this deadly gas. 

 

5. Test your CO alarm every visit. Cold weather can drain the batteries inside the CO alarm much faster. Don’t assume that it is working, test it each visit and pack a spare set of batteries.  Replace CO alarms every 5-7 years as per instructions.

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:

• Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected annually. Visit COSafety.ca to find a licensed gas contractor near you.
• Clear snow and ice away from outside vents.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
• Open the flu before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
• Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.

Know the sound of your CO alarm and maintain them:

• Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
• Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end-of-life” warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.
• Replace the batteries at least once a year and check the device for the expiration date.  CO alarms like smoke alarms do not last forever.  Typically CO alarms must be replaced every 7 years.

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 now online

Recreational and Non-Recreational Burning Permits are now available online

 

Never microwave face masks

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 receives emergency response team funding

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

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.