Fire and Public Safety Education

If a fire happens in your apartment unit

• Remain calm and exit your unit.

• Take your key with you and close the door behind you.

• Activate the closest fire alarm, which should be located by the exit stairs.

• Leave the building via the EXIT stairwell.

• Never use elevators during a fire.

If your building's fire alarm sounds, follow these steps

• Go to your front door. Touch the top of the door and around the door handle with the back of your hand before opening your unit door.

  • If the door or door handle feels warm: do not open the door! There could be a fire behind the door. Shelter in place and call 9-1-1.

  • If the door is cool: open the door slightly and check for smoke in the hallway.

• If you see smoke, stay in your unit. Shelter in place and call 9-1-1.

• If the hallway is clear of smoke, enter it and close the door tightly behind you. Go to the nearest exit stairwell. Go down the stairs and exit the building.If you encounter smoke in the stairwell, do not go this way. You must use another exit. Close the door tightly and go to the second exit stairwell. Most buildings have an exit stairwell at both ends of the hall. Before you open the door, again check for heat and check the stairwell for smoke.

  • Never use the elevators when the alarm is sounding

What if I'm physically unable to leave?

• Remain calm.

• Keep your unit door closed, but unlock it.

• Shelter in place. Seal the door completely with duct tape and place a wet towel across the bottom to prevent smoke from seeping into your unit.

• Call 9-1-1 and tell them your location. Advise them that there is an emergency situation in your building and you are unable to evacuate. The 9-1-1 communicator will provide further instructions.

Simple ways YOU can prevent fire in your building

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Don't leave your apartment if the stove is on.

• If you must answer the door or phone, turn the stove off and remove the pot/pan.

• Keep things that can catch fire, like oven mitts, towels or food packaging, away from your stovetop.

• Keep a proper-fitting pot lid nearby when cooking. Don't try move a pot if it catches fire. Instead, slide the lid or baking sheet over the pot and turn off the burner.

• Don't cook if you are under the influence of alcohol or medication that makes you drowsy.

• If you smoke, smoke outside. Don't smoke in bed.

• Never throw cigarettes off a balcony. Keep balconies clear of debris and combustibles.

• Butting out in potted plants is dangerous. Put out cigarettes in a deep and sturdy ashtray.

• Always blow out candles before leaving the room. Safer yet, use battery-powered candles.

• Keep items that can burn one metre (three feet) away from space heaters.

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power bars.

The Do's and Don'ts of Fire Escape Planning

Do:

• Stay calm and head to the nearest stairwell.

• Leave the building as soon as the alarm sounds. Move to a safe place outside.

• If you can't leave, stay in your unit, shelter in place and call 9-1-1.

• Plan your escape before an emergency happens.

• Know your building's fire safety plan. Fire safety plans should be posted. Contact your building manager, landlord or the fire department if you have questions.

Don't:

• Panic or break windows.

• Go to the roof.Wait before leaving.

  • Remember: smoke and heat rise

• Gather in the lobby or hallways.

• Wait for the elevator.

• During a fire elevators will be out of service on ground level and not available for public use.

Family Fire Escape Plan

Each minute, a fire can double in size. That is why having a home fire escape plan is one of the most important things you can do for your family.

Creating a Family Fire Escape Plan

Draw a map of your home with all members of your household. Be sure to include every level and room as well as stairways and hallways. Practice your plan twice a year, once at night and once during the day using different ways out. Your home escape plan should Include:

Two ways out of every room

• Your primary way out should be using your front door and your secondary way out could be through a second door or a window. Make sure windows can be opened easily.

• Not all rooms have two exits. In this case, make sure that everyone knows how to exit a room safely. 

• If you come across smoke on your way to your primary way out, use your secondary way out. 

• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go beneath the smoke.

A meeting place outside the home

• Make sure all family members know where to meet outside the home and mark it on the floor plan. 

• A good meeting place would be a front yard tree, telephone pole or a neighbour's home. 

• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

• Call 9-1-1.

Develop a fire escape plan today using this Family Fire Escape Plan guide.

Escape planning if you live in an apartment

Draw a map of your apartment with all members of your household. Be sure to include every level and room as well as stairways and hallways. Practice your plan twice a year, once at night and once during the day using different ways out. Your home escape plan should Include:
Two ways out of every room

• Your primary way out should be using your front door and your secondary way out could be through a second door or a window. Make sure windows can be opened easily.

• Not all rooms have two exits. In this case, make sure that everyone knows how to exit a room safely.

• If you come across smoke on your way to your primary way out, use your secondary way out.

• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go beneath the smoke.

A meeting place outside you apartment

• Make sure all family members know where to meet outside the home and mark it on the floor plan.

• A good meeting place would be a on the road side of your building

• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

• Call 9-1-1 to confirm that the Fire Department is responding and to provide them with information.

If the apartment is in an apartment building

• Review the building's Fire Safety Plan.  A copy should be available on every floor of your building and from your buildings management. This plan will include the locations of stairwells, exits, fire extinguishers and pull stations.

• Know what to do once you have escaped from the apartment. 

Resources

Canadian Red Cross babysitting courses

Participants learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. For ages 11 and up.

SOS4Kids - Red Cross Babysitting course

Provides the Red Cross Babysitting program where participants learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. For ages 11 and up

St. John Ambulance - Babysitting course

This course is designed for ages 11-14 and teaches new babysitters the skills necessary to care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. It emphasizes safety, dealing with emergencies and first aid basics.

Resources

Technical Standards & Safety Authority

Canadian Safety Council

Health Canada Barbecue Safety

Resources

• Government of Ontario News Release - Ontario Encouraging Fire Safety for Barn Owners

• Office of The Fire Marshal - Farm Fire Safety Checklist (PDF)

• College of Argicultural Sciences, Guelph Ontario - Fire Safety in Horse Stables [PDF] 

• Canadian Federation Of Humane Societies Website

• Horse Council, British Columbia - Barn Safety Checklist (PDF)

• American Red Cross - Frozen Pipes, Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

• Watch this CHCH News story about local barn fires and a program to help prevent barn fires

Resources

National Fire Protection Association Tip Sheet

It's the Law

CO alarms must be installed outside each sleeping area in all homes and residential buildings with fuel-burning appliances, heating systems, fireplaces or attached garages. This Ontario law was finalized in October 2014 and after a phase-in period; it became enforceable on April 15, 2015. Failure to comply could result in a ticket of $360 or prosecution.

CO Alarms in Apartment Buildings

In all multi-unit residential buildings with attached garages or service rooms, CO alarms are required near each sleeping area in each unit with a common wall, floor or ceiling with the garage or service room. The owner, landlord or property manager must install and maintain properly working CO alarms in your building.

CO Safety Checklist

• Get an inspection for all fuel-burning appliances in your home at least once a year.

• Check that outside vents are clear and not blocked

• Never use a portable fuel-burning appliance, such as a barbeque, inside your home.

• Keep lots of space around space heaters.

• If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, such as a furnace, fireplace or gas stove, install a CO alarm near each sleeping area.

• If your home has an attached garage, install a CO alarm near each sleeping area.

• For extra protection, install a CO alarm on each level of your home. Follow the manufacturer's directions.

Home Safe Home Program

Seniors living alone and persons with disabilities or limited mobility that need help maintaining home smoke and CO alarms may request a Home Safe Home visit. The visit includes a home safety inspection designed to identify and rectify fire hazards, assistance with changing batteries in smoke/CO alarms and the replacing of smoke/CO alarms if required.

For more information and to find out if you qualify, please call Captain Mark Burger at (905) 877-6001 ex 2115 or by email.

When your CO alarm sounds

• If your CO alarm sounds, do not assume it to be a false alarm.  If you are not experiencing symptoms, reset the alarm and check to see if it activates again. 

• If the alarm sounds a second time, call the fire department for assistance at the non-emergency number 905-877-1133 ex 2. 

• If the alarm does not sound the second time, check for common triggers that may have caused the alarm such as dust or contact a qualified heating contractor to inspect and service your heating fuel equipment and appliances.

• If you or anyone in your home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning and your CO alarm is activating, call 9-1-1.

• Proper placement of a CO alarm is important.  In general, the human body is most vulnerable to the effects of CO during sleeping hours, so an alarm should be located next to all sleeping areas of the home. Where sleeping areas are located in separate levels of the home, an alarm must be provided for each area.

• For additional protection, install alarms near potential sources of CO like near a furnace, fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage.

• Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. To work properly, a CO alarm should not be blocked by furniture, draperies or other obstructions to normal air flow.

• If a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm is used, it must be located on the ceiling to ensure it will detect smoke effectively.

• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for additional information regarding proper installation, use and maintenance of your alarm(s).

• Ensure that everyone leaves the home immediately, leaving doors and windows closed behind you. 

• Call 9-1-1 from a neighbour's phone or from your mobile device.  

• Do not re-enter your home!

• The fire department will test for carbon monoxide in the home and let you know if it is safe to go back in or advice you that there is a CO concern.

What do I do if I have a kitchen fire?

Stovetop Fires

• Get out and Stay out! Leave your home, close the door behind you to contain the fire then call 9-1-1 from outside your home.

• If you decide to extinguish a grease fire, use a potholder or oven mitts and slide a pot lid over the flames then turn off the heat source. Whether your efforts to extinguish the fire are successful or not, get out and stay out. When you leave you home, close the door behind you to contain the fire then call 9-1-1 from outside your home.

• Alternatively, to extinguish the fire you may use a If you have one, use a multi-purpose ABC fire extinguisher. Make sure your extinguisher is stored near the kitchen but not near cooking appliances making it difficult to access during a fire.

• Do not throw water on it!  Putting water on a grease fire will create a violent chemical reaction which will put you and your home in a greater danger. 

Oven/microwave fires

• If a fire starts in your oven, close the oven door and turn off the heat source.

• For a microwave fire, keep the door closed and turn off the microwave.

• Whether your efforts to extinguish the fire are successful or not, Get Out and Stay Out. When you leave you home, close the door behind you to contain the fire then call 9-1-1 from outside your home

Resources

• The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has prepared a flood safety guide entitled Electrical Safety and Water Damage.

• Visit the National Fire Prevention Association for more tips on electrical safety.

Resources

• Halton Region - Preparing for Emergencies

• Ontario’s Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities

Choosing an extinguisher

Extinguishers are labelled with standard symbols or letters for the classes of fire they can put out. Check and match these symbols to the contents in the room before buying and installing an extinguisher.

All extinguishers must:

• Be rated for the type of fire they can extinguish

• Be large enough to handle the fire

• Be in working condition and fully charged

• Be accessible

• Be used by someone trained in the proper use of the extinguisher

No fire extinguisher can be used safely and effectively for every type of fire. Some contain chemicals that will not work in certain situations and can even cause harm if not used correctly.

Common types of extinguishers

Dry Chemical Extinguisher

There are two types of fire extinguishers that use a dry chemical:

• Multipurpose dry chemical uses ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent. It's effective on A, B, and C class fires. This chemical is corrosive and must be scrubbed from surfaces after use. These extinguishers are very common and are found in schools, homes, hospitals and offices.

• Regular dry chemical uses sodium bicarbonate as the extinguishing agent. It's capable of handling B and C class fires. Sodium bicarbonate is easy to clean and nontoxic. These extinguishers are found in garages, kitchens and laboratories.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

• These extinguishers contain liquid CO2 that is discharged as a gas.

• They can be used on B and C class fires.

• CO2 does not leave a harmful residue and is environmentally friendly. It also poses very little danger to electronics and is used effectively in laboratories, computer rooms and other areas with sensitive equipment.

Water Extinguisher

• These extinguishers are suited for A class fires only. In B class fires, the water will spread the flames. In a C class fire, the water is conductive and poses a risk of electric shock to the operator.

• Since the agent used is water, these extinguishers are inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

For more information about different classes of fire, visit the National Fire Protection Association's website.

How to use an extinguisher

• Pull the pin or other lever that unlocks the operating.

• Aim low. Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the lever or button above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. To stop the discharge, let go of the lever.

• Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side. Move carefully toward the flames and keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire. Continue to sweep back and forth.

Always read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and use before a fire breaks out.

Resources

• National Fire Prevention Association Heating Safety Tips

• Public Safety information from the Ontario Fire Marshal

Details about open air burning with a permit

1. Open air burn permits are only available for consideration on detached properties. Open air burning (i.e. chimnea, fire pit, fire bowl, prefab fireplace) is not permitted in town homes OR semi-detached properties. 

2. When burning is permitted, only residents with a valid open air burn permit may burn. 

3. When a burn ban is in effect, all permits are suspended until the ban is lifted.

When applying for a new burn permit (an expired permit older than 12 months from the current date is considered a new permit and not a renewal), please include two pictures. One picture taken from the back fence facing the back of the home and one picture taken from the back of the home towards the fence. Both pictures MUST include what you are using for containment (i.e. chimnea/burn barrel/stone surround). The picture should also your method of extinguishment (e.g. garden hose) and that it will safely reach the burn area. When submitting your pictures, be mindful that adequate clearance from combustibles and structures must be clearly visible.

Submit your Burn Permit application

Application Information

To obtain a permit the applicant must complete an application and forward the appropriate fee to: Halton Hills Fire Department, 14007 10 Sideroad, Georgetown, ON, L7G 4S5. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, visa or debit card.

Upon receipt of the completed application and appropriate funds received the Fire Department will then conduct a site inspection (if required).  The inspector will issue you a permit upon a successful site inspection and agreement to follow the conditions of the permit (listed below).  There will be no refunds for a failed inspection but there will be no fee associated for any re-inspection required.

Inspections for renewals of farm or recreational/residential permits are not required.  Upon receipt of the completed application and appropriate funds, an approved permit will be issued.

Applications can be obtained at either the Acton or Georgetown fire stations or online. Further information can be obtained by calling the Fire Department.

Conditions for a Burn Permit

Ontario Fire Code Sentence 2.4.4.4(1) states “Open air burning shall not take place unless (a) it has been approved, or (b) the open-air burning consists of a small, confined fire that is (i) used to cook food on a grill, barbecue or spit, (ii) commensurate with the type and quantity of food being cooked, and (iii) supervised at all times."

Interpretation

A ‘small, confined fire' used to cook food is defined as a fire reasonably proportioned to the food being cooked. Cooking of food other than on a grill/BBQ or spit requires an open air burn permit.  The fire must be contained in a fire pit or enclosure that is constructed of a non-combustible material such as stones, cement or metal.  The enclosure shall be designed to limit the size of the fire to the surface area of a household barbecue. The fire must be extinguished immediately after the food has been cooked.

Permit to conduct open air burning general requirements

• The Fire Department Dispatch shall be notified prior to and at the completion of each commercial/construction, farm, or special 'open air burn'.  When contacting Dispatch regarding open air burning, reference the permit number at the top of the permit form.

• Burning shall be conducted as per the conditions of the permit.  Approval to burn with extended hours may be granted in circumstances where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Chief Fire Official that it is necessary and may be done safely.  The approved hours shall be specified on the permit.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure they are present at and attend the fire at all times until completely extinguished.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure an approved method of extinguishment shall be readily available on site in order to prevent the fire from spreading beyond control, and/or causing damage or danger to persons or property.  Adequate equipment shall be as specified on the permit by the issuing Chief Fire Official in consideration for the location, and materials to be burned.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the fire does not include any of the products listed below:

  • petroleum based products such as oil or grease;

  • asphalt materials including building materials;

  • aerosol or pressurized containers;

  • o wood products with high glue content such as particle board/plywood;

  • any product known to be harmful to the environment

  • rubber products including tires;

  • plastic products;

  • wood or paper products treated with chemical preservatives;

  • household garbage

NOTE: leaves and other compostable yard waste may not be burned in the urban areas or where yard waste pick-up is available.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the burn site has a minimum clear distance from building structures, hedges, fences, property lines and/or windbreaks as specified on the Permit.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the burn site is clear of ground cover vegetation as specified on the Permit.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the volume of materials burned at one time does not exceed that specified on the Permit.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure the fire is contained in the manner specified on the Permit.

• At least one person named on the permit shall ensure that open air burning does not contravene rules or regulations set forth by the Ministry of the Environment.

• At least one person named on the permit shall confirm prior to burning, on the Fire Department webpage that burning is permitted and monitor the conditions throughout the duration of the burn.

• If you are not the registered owner of the property, you must submit a written letter of authorization from the property owner.

Recreational and residential specific requirements

• Only seasoned (dry) wood shall be burned.  Burning of leaves or other compostable yard waste is prohibited in the urban areas or where yard waste pick-up is available.

• Only paper and kindling (no flammable or combustible liquids) shall be used to start the fire.

• Where children will be present, they shall not be allowed to play with the fire and shall be supervised by an adult person at all times.

• No fire container shall be used to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic either on the roadway or the entrance to the property (i.e. Steel drum or barrel)

Municipal address

The municipal address of the property must be clearly posted at the burn site.

In rural areas and at construction sites where no municipal address is assigned to the site, the Notice provided by the Halton Hills Fire Department shall be posted at the entrance to the site.

Penalties

Any violation of the conditions of the Permit to Conduct Open Air Burning, in the opinion of the Fire Department, will result in any or all of the following action(s) being taken.

• Extinguishment of the fire.

• Revoking of the Permit To Conduct Open Air Burning.

• Refusal of future requests for a Permit To Conduct Open Air Burning.

• Assessment of Service Charges per the Town User Fee By-Law

• Laying of charge(s) under the authority of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997.

Subsection 28(3)(b) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 states:  “An individual convicted of an offence is liable to, in the case of an offence for contravention of the fire code, a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both.”

Subsection 28(4) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 states:  “A corporation is convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of not more than $100,000.”

Subsection 28(5) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 states:  “A director or officer of a corporation who knows that the corporation is violating or has violated a provision of the fire code is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both.”

Cost Recovery

In the event the Halton Hills Fire Department responds to extinguish Open Air Burning being conducted without a Permit, or in violation of the conditions of the Permit, the full costs of extinguishment, including labour costs and equipment costs, as determined by the Chief Fire Official may be charged to the property owner and/or Permit Holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are outdoor fireplaces and fire-pits legal? 

  • Many retailers in the area sell various types of outdoor fireplaces, fire-pits and chimneas. The use of these appliances is considered as a form of open air burning and they are permitted in the Town of Halton Hills, but only with the issuance of an open air burning permit. If you require additional information on the Open Air Burning or need assistance in obtaining a permit, call the Fire Department.

  • Certified fuel-fired appliances do not require an open air burn permit (i.e. propane/natural gas heaters or fire tables) as per Ontario Fire Code 2.4.4.4(2)

Resources

• Fire safety tips for older adults (NFPA)