FireSmart safety: Fire prevention tips from a firefighter

Whether you live in a downtown condo, suburban home, or rural property, fire prevention planning is one of the most effective ways to prevent fire damage, protect your family, and ensure peace of mind. Fires can happen anywhere and often when you least expect them.

This article shares practical fire safety tips from a firefighter's perspective, tailored to help Canadians across the country reduce fire risks year-round.

Why fire prevention planning matters in Canada

Canada's diverse climate and geography create a range of fire hazards. Dry summers and windy conditions contribute to wildfires in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Harsh winters from Manitoba to Newfoundland increase the use of space heaters and fireplaces. Older homes from coast to coast may have outdated electrical systems. The reality is that fire safety is a national concern.

Thousands of fires across Canada each year are preventable. A little preparation and fire awareness can make all the difference.

10 Fire prevention tips to help Canadians prevent wildfires

1. Install and maintain smoke & CO alarms

Every home in Canada should have:

• Smoke alarms on every level and inside all sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances.

Testing your alarms monthly is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring your home's safety. It's easy to forget, but setting a reminder can help. Remember to replace the batteries in your alarms every year to keep them functioning properly.

Reminder, alarms need to be replaced every 10 years to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest safety standards. It's also important not to turn off your alarms while cooking, even if they go off. Instead, use fans or open windows to clear the smoke. These small actions can make a big difference in keeping your home and loved ones safe.

2. Create and practice a fire escape plan

A fire can double in size every 30 seconds, so having a practiced escape plan is essential for fire safety at home:

• Identify two exits from every room.
• Choose a meeting spot outside (like a tree or mailbox).
• Practice twice a year, day and night.

Having and practicing a fire escape plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone in your home, including children, seniors, and pets. It's important to involve all family members in your drills so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Make sure to review and update your plan after any home renovations or layout changes, as these can affect your escape routes. By regularly practicing your fire escape plan, you can help ensure that everyone in your household is prepared and can act quickly in the event of a fire. Remember, a well-practiced plan can save lives.

3. Cook with caution

The leading cause of house fires in Canada is unattended cooking.

• Stay in the kitchen when frying or grilling.
• Keep flammable items like tea towels and wooden utensils away from the stove.
• Turn pot handles inward to avoid tipping.

If a grease fire starts, do not use water. Instead, cover it with a metal lid or use a Class B fire extinguisher. Water can cause the fire to spread and become more dangerous. By covering the fire with a metal lid, you can smother the flames and cut off the oxygen supply, effectively putting out the fire.

A Class B fire extinguisher is specifically designed to handle flammable liquids like grease, making it a safe and effective option for extinguishing grease fires. Remember, safety is the priority, so always have a fire extinguisher accessible in your kitchen and know how to use it properly.

4. Avoid electrical hazards 

Many Canadian homes have outdated wiring or overloaded circuits.

• Don’t overload outlets or power bars.
• Use CSA-approved cords and devices.
• Replace frayed or damaged wires immediately.
• Hire a licensed electrician to inspect older systems.
• Never run cords under rugs or furniture—they can overheat unnoticed.

5. Be smart with heaters and furnaces

Space heaters and heating systems are common in Canadian winters but are also a fire risk.

• Keep heaters at least one metre away from combustibles.
• Never leave portable heaters unattended.
• Avoid using extension cords with heaters.
• Clean furnace filters regularly and service your heating system annually.

In snowy regions, it's important to keep outdoor vents and exhaust pipes free from snow and ice to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. When these vents and pipes are blocked, dangerous gases can accumulate inside your home, posing a serious health risk.

Regularly checking and clearing these areas, especially after heavy snowfall, ensures that your heating systems can operate safely and efficiently. This simple maintenance task can help protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months.

6. Use candles responsibly

While common during holidays and power outages, candles are still open flames.

• Use sturdy holders and keep them out of reach from children and pets.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Consider flameless LED candles as a safe, modern alternative. Unlike traditional candles, flameless candles do not have an open flame, which significantly reduces the risk of accidental fires. LED candles are perfect for homes with children and pets, as there is no danger of burns or fire hazards. By choosing flameless candles, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of candlelight while ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.

7. Fireplace and chimney maintenance

From wood-burning stoves in the Yukon to gas fireplaces in downtown condos, all fireplaces need care.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
• Use a fire screen to stop sparks.
• Never burn garbage or chemically treated wood.
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container, and store them outside, away from your home.

Firefighter tip: Even after 48 hours, embers can ignite. Always handle ashes cautiously. It's important to remember that embers can stay hot for a long time, even after the fire seems to be out. Always use a metal container to store ashes and keep them away from any flammable materials.

8. Store flammable materials safely

Many fires start in garages and sheds.

• Store gasoline, propane, and paint in approved containers.
• Keep them away from heaters, furnaces, or electrical panels.
• Never store propane tanks indoors or in attached garages.

Document stored valuables for insurance purposes. By keeping a detailed inventory of your valuable items, including photos and receipts, you can ensure you have the necessary documentation to support a fire-related claim.

Having a list can make the process of filing a claim smoother and help you receive appropriate compensation for your losses. Regularly updating your inventory and storing it in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a secure digital location, can provide added peace of mind.

9. Make your property FireSmart inside and out

Rural and suburban homeowners near forests or fields should follow FireSmart Canada guidelines to protect their homes from wildfires.

• Download the FireSmart Begins at Home app or complete the FireSmart self-assessment.
• Clear dry leaves and debris from your yard and roof.
• Keep your gutters and roof clean.
• Maintain your lawn, trim overgrown brush and trees near structures.
• Keep firewood, propane, and fuel containers at least 10 metres from your home.
• Use fire-resistant plants and landscaping around your foundation.

Wildfire prevention tip: Check local fire bans and stay informed during dry seasons. If evacuation is required, have a plan and a go-bag ready. Staying updated on local fire bans is crucial, especially during dry seasons when the risk of wildfires is high. Make sure to have an evacuation plan in place that includes a designated meeting spot and a go-bag packed with essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents.

10. Know how to use a fire extinguisher

A small fire can be extinguished early—if you’re prepared.

Learn the PASS technique:

• Pull the pin
• Aim low at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep side to side

It's important to keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations like kitchens, garages, and hallways, so they can be quickly reached in case of an emergency. Regularly check the expiration dates on your extinguishers and replace or recharge them as needed to ensure they are always ready for use.

Fire safety tips for every season in Canada

Spring/Summer:

• Follow wildfire advisories and fire bans.
• Maintain your yard and remove flammable debris.
• Store outdoor gear like fuel or propane properly.

Fall/Winter:

• Test smoke and CO alarms before using heating systems.
• Clear snow from hydrants and emergency exits.
• Use CSA-approved holiday lights and unplug decorations when unattended.

What to do if a fire starts

Fires can be unpredictable and dangerous and knowing what to do if one starts can make all the difference. It's essential to have a clear plan and act quickly to ensure your safety.

1. Get out and stay out.
2. Call 911 from outside.
3. Never go back inside for pets or possessions.

Let the professionals handle the fire; they are trained to deal with such emergencies. Your life is the most valuable thing, and ensuring your safety is the top priority.

Orbit Insurance Services is your ally in FireSmart protection

Being FireSmart is one of the most effective ways to protect your home, reduce insurance risk, and above all—keep you safe. At Orbit Insurance Services, we encourage all Canadians to follow these fire prevention tips, review their home insurance coverage, and contact us with any questions.

Need help reviewing your coverage? Orbit advisors are here to help with a personalized policy review—ensuring you’re covered before, during, and after a fire.

Contact an Orbit insurance broker today to ensure your coverage matches your commitment to safety.

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Sources

1. FireSmart Canada: Wildfire and yard safety tips
2. Canadian Red Cross: Emergency preparedness plans
3. FireSmart Self-Assessment