'Not getting the message': Fire Marshal urges Ontario residents to practice better fire safety
Ontario’s fire marshal is pleading with residents of the province to do more to prevent fires in their homes after a deadly start to the year.
In a message posted to Twitter on Friday, Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg said the province has already lost 17 people in fires so far this year and people "are not getting the message" about fire safety.
“These deaths are preventable. We've lost mothers, fathers, grandparents and children,” Pegg said.
Some of those deadly fires have occurred in the Greater Toronto Area, with a recent fire in Brampton claiming the lives of three young boys. The cause of that fire has not yet been determined, but fire officials urged the public to redouble their efforts around fire safety in its wake.
Speaking Friday, Pegg said the message is not reaching enough people.
“Allow me to be very candid and blunt; This is not difficult, folks,” he said. “I know that smoke alarms can be a nuisance when you're cooking. I know that changing batteries may not be top of mind, but it has to be.
“I know that pushing a button to test each month is quickly forgotten, but it's the only thing you can do to protect you and your family. And quite frankly, and to be very direct, I don't think Ontarians are getting the message and I need everyone's help.
He urged people to take simple steps such as checking regularly that smoke alarms are in proper working order and have fresh batteries, and having a fire plan for each household.
“Smoke alarms 100 per cent save lives. I can tell you countless stories where this is true. But they only do so if they are working,” Pegg said. “And not only that, it's a law. You also need to practice a home fire escape plan before a fire. When the alarm sounds, everyone needs to know what to do safely.”
The fire marshal urged people to share his message and help it "go viral."
“Kids, if you are seeing this, ask your parents to test the smoke alarm in your house. And if they don't have one, ask why,” Pegg said.
“Check on your neighbours and those of your family who need help testing their alarms, and if you have questions addressing a smoke alarm issue, reach out to your local fire department.”
A full list of fire safety tips from the fire marshal can be found on the province’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.