Fire Prevention

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound to alert you. 

In Ontario, it's the law for all homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This covers single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.

Learn more about smoke alarms, including how to install and maintain them, by vising the Ontario Association of Fire Chief's smoke alarm information page.

NEW Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements – Effective Jan 1, 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require the installation of additional carbon monoxide alarms, regardless of building age. This new legislation applies to residential homes and care facilities served by a forced-air fuel-burning appliance not contained within the building.

What’s changing?

• CO alarms will now be mandatory on every storey of all homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
• There are also updated requirements for residential suites, care occupancies, and retirement homes.
• Alarms must meet updated Ontario Fire Code and be placed in key locations.
• Battery operated and plug-in carbon monoxide alarms are permitted

Why it matters:

• Carbon monoxide is a silent killer—colorless, odorless, and deadly. These updated rules are designed to keep families safe and save lives.

Learn more about the changes and carbon monoxide safety.

The Ontario Fire Code outlines the locations and usage of fire extinguishers in buildings. There are different types of fire extinguishers. Learn where to place fire extinguishers and how to operate them.

Our Fire Department offers fire extinguisher training for a small fee. The training takes about an hour and includes classroom learning and live training. Email the fire department or call 705-848-3232 to book a training appointment.

A fire class letter marks each type of fire extinguisher and its coloured geometric symbol tells you what type of fire it is meant for.

• Fire Class A – Green symbol and meant for ordinary solid combustibles
• Fire Class B – Red symbol and meant for flammable liquids and gases
• Fire Class C – Blue symbol and meant for electrical equipment
• Fire Class D – Yellow star symbol and meant for combustible metals
• Fire Class K – Black symbol and meant for cooking oils

The Ontario Fire Code requires a fire safety plan for most buildings. This plan is used as a resource for all building owners, property managers or those controlling properties. The plan outlines what is needed to protect people if there is a fire. Fire safety plans also ensure an orderly evacuation during an emergency.

Pick one up a fire safety plan at the fire station.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) campaign, October 5-11, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit fpw.org.