March 2025

Essential Safety Tips for Apartment and Condo Residents

🏢 High-rise dwellers! Know your escape routes. Find at least two ways out from every room in your apartment. Practice in the dark - you might need to escape that way! #HighRiseSafety#EscapePlan

🚪 Fire doors save lives! Never prop them open or block them. They're designed to slow fire spread, giving you precious escape time. Keep them closed and clear! #FireSafety#ApartmentLiving

Fire in your building? Forget the elevator! Always use the stairs to escape. Elevators may be unavailable, get called to the ground floor, or stop on fire-affected floors. Stairs are your lifeline!#SafetyFirst #HighRiseHacks

🚨 Hear that alarm? Act fast! Every second counts in a high-rise fire. Don't wait to see what others do - start your escape immediately. Your quick action could save your life! #FireAlarm#QuickResponse

🔑 Know your building's crossover floors. These unlocked levels let you switch stairwells if needed. It could be your backup escape route! #HighRiseTips #FireEscape

🚒 In a high-rise fire and can't escape? Close your door, stuff towels in cracks, and call 911.Open a window slightly and signal for help. Firefighters will find you! #StaySafe #FireRescue

🏠 Your condo, your responsibility! Install smoke alarms, test them monthly, and replace batteries yearly. Early warning is crucial in high-rise fires. #SmokeSavesLives #ApartmentSafety

 

Daylight Saving Fire Safety !!

⏰🌼 Spring forward safely! As you set your clocks ahead, don’t forget to change those smoke
alarm batteries too! Let’s keep the spring vibes bright and safe! #DaylightSavings #SpringIntoSafety

🔋🌷New season, new batteries! Give your safety devices some love this spring. A little power boost goes a long way in keeping your home safe! #BatteryCheck #SpringSafety

🌞🚪Daylight saving is the perfect time to refresh your home fire escape plan! Gather the family and practice your escape routes—safety can be a fun family activity! #SafetySpringForward
#FamilyFun

🌅🏡Longer days are here! Use that extra daylight to check your home's exterior for fire hazards. Let’s keep our homes beautiful and safe this spring! #OutdoorSafety #SpringCleaning

💖 Don’t forget about your CO alarms when changing batteries! They need some love too. Keep your home safe and sound—because every device deserves a little TLC! #COSafety
#SafetyFirst

Lucky and Secure: Your Guide to Fire Safety This St. Patrick's Day

🍀✨ Going green for St. Patrick's Day? Let’s keep it safe in the kitchen! Always stay close while cooking—don’t let your feast turn into a fire hazard! #StPatricksSafety #CookWithCare

🍀🔥 The luck of the Irish won’t save you from a fire! But working smoke alarms will! Give yours a quick check today—safety is the best charm! #LuckySafety #SmokeAlarmCheck

🎉🍀 Planning a St. Patrick's bash? Keep those festive decorations away from heat sources! Let’s celebrate safely and keep the fun going all night long! #SafeCelebration #PartySmart

👩 🍳🍻 Designate a sober chef for your St. Patrick's feast! Safety first, then let the shenanigans begin! Keep the kitchen fun and fire-free! #SafeCooking #ShenanigansApproved

🚒🍀 Don’t just rely on the luck o' the Irish! Be prepared with a fire extinguisher in case of kitchen mishaps. Stay safe and enjoy your celebrations! #PreparedNotLucky #FireSafetyFirstWeek

February 2025

January 2025

Winter Fire Safety ❄️ 

12 days of holidays safety

Each day, for 12 days leading up to Christmas, we'll be sharing a safety tip and giving you an opportunity to win a daily prize package retail valued at $95.00. Please listen to the radio for your chance to win.

 

December Education

General Holiday safety tips

• Keep any entry/exits in your home cleared from snow.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before gatherings.
• Keep candles up and away from children and pets and never left unattended
• Have heating equipment, chimneys and furnace/boiler vents cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

 

Cooking

• Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in Ontario
• Be attentive. If you are drowsy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove, oven, barbeque or any other cooking appliance.
• Ensure you are checking your cooking food regularly. Use a timer to remind yourself to check.
• Keep any flammable objects such as wooden utensils, food packaging, or towels off of and away from your stovetop.

Christmas Trees & Holiday Lightings

• Keep live trees watered and check the stand reservoir daily to ensure the tree does not dry out too quickly. Pick an area away from any fireplaces or baseboard/water radiators
• Always use CSA and/or UL approved lights, extension cords and power bars/surge protectors
• Ensure you do not overload any extension cords, power bars or outlet adapters.  Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Make sure to turn off all lights before leaving the house, when you go to bed or when you will not be in the room for an extended period of time.
• Plug outdoor lights and decorations into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or outlets protected by a GFCI.

 

                         

 

Check out the link below to see an article on our Fire Department and Enbridge Gas pairing up this holiday season!

Fire department receives support from Enbridge - My North Bay Now

#ENBfuelingfutures @enbridgegas 

The North Bay Fire Department received 250 combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to improve home safety and save lives. Safe Community Project Zero is a public education campaign, supported by the Fire Marshal’s Fire Safety Council, that is providing more than 14,500 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario. The department will be working with community partners to find homeowners that fit the needs of the Safe Community Project Zero Campaign. 

 

November Education

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

 

October Education

October is a busy month. We have CIBC, Fire Prevention Week & our Halloween event for the community. 

CIBC - We have crew members raising money until the end of the month. If you would like to donate here is our link; North Bay: North Bay Firefighters - CIBC Run for the Cure (cancer.ca) .

Fire Prevention Week - Make them WORK for you - runs October 6th - 12th. Emphasizing the importance of having a working smoke alarm. Fill -a-Fire-Truck also happens during the week with collecting donations for the North Bay Food Bank while educating the community on fire safety.

Halloween night - Haunted house - is an event we have back for the community. With that comes the need for Candy donations for the night of. Drop off of any donations are welcomed either at our front desk from 8:30-4:30 or anytime at the back door location on Victoria Street. 

 

CIBC Highlights

 

Fire Prevention Week & Fill a Fire Truck Highlights

 

Halloween

September Education

Test your Smoke Alarm Day - September 28th

Campaign

September 28 is Ontario's Test Your Smoke Alarm Day! In response to 133 fire fatalities Ontario suffered in 2022 – the most in 20 years – Test Your Smoke Alarm Day was launched to encourage all Ontarians to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety, and home fire escape planning, which can save the lives of you and your loved ones. Most importantly, we want you to test your smoke alarms! We've created free, downloadable resources in multiple languages so everyone can share this safety message.

Visit: Saved by the beep to learn more 

Put on by Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.

 

Summer Education

Fire Statistics:

 

8% of annual loss fires occur in August

Average of 38 injuries

Average of 5 fatalities

 

TOP IGNITION SOURCES: 

Cooking Equipment

Cigarettes

Electrical distribution equipment (extension cords, power bars, surge protectors)

 

June's Education

Cottage Fire Safety Tips

 

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service recommends the following cottage fire safety tips:

Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. It’s the law for all Ontario homes, cottages, cabins and seasonal homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
​​​​​​​

• Test smoke alarms at least monthly or each time you return to the cottage. Pack a new smoke alarm and extra smoke alarm batteries in case they need replacement.
• Install and ensure carbon monoxide alarms in your cottage if it has a fuel-burning appliance.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds.
• Know the telephone number for the local fire department and your cottage’s emergency sign number, in case of emergency.
• Clean barbecues before using them. Keep an eye on lit barbecues and ensure all combustibles, as well as children and pets are kept well away from them. Fires can happen when barbecues are left unattended.
• Keep barbecue lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
• Remember to bring a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Check heating appliances and chimneys before using them.
• Check with your local fire department, municipality, or Ministry of Natural Resources to determine whether open air burning is permitted before having a campfire or burning brush. If open burning is allowed, fires should be built on bare soil or on exposed rock. Remove leaves and twigs from around the fire to keep it from spreading. Always keep a bucket of water, sand, or even a shovel close by and supervise the fire at all times.
• If you must smoke, do so outside. Keep a large can with water nearby so cigarette butts can be safely discarded. If you drink, do so responsibly. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are contributing factors in many fires and can lead to serious injuries.
• Burn candles in sturdy candleholders that will not tip and are covered with a glass shade. When you go out, blow out!

May's Education

FireSmart begins at Home!!

Wildfires have increased over recent years leaving many communities in ruins and many homes destroyed. It’s time to “Begin your FireSmart Journey” starting in and around your home and neighborhood.

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services are encouraging you to help build and maintain a wildfire resiliency up to 30 metres around your home. There are many factors that may impact your property’s risk to wildfire so visiting www.FireSmartCanada.ca is your first step to protecting your home.

Many resources are available to the homeowner such as “FireSmart Begins at Home Guide” or the FireSmart 101 online course. This free 1-hour course will walk you through the 3 “Home Ignition Zones” around your home teaching you how to reduce the risks on your property starting from your home and working outwards. It is also recommended to download the FireSmart Begins at Home App. to help you coordinate your efforts while on the go.

Remember Fire Safety starts with you!!

 

April's Education

 

Open Air Burning

Open Air Burning By-law Amendment

Open Air Burning By-law 2015-115

 

Hours of Burning is 6:00pm-12:00am.

You MUST have a valid permit to burn.

Make sure to read all the requirements on your permit to make sure you are properly burning. 

Check the Forest Fire Map to keep up to date on the fire ratings and when we are in a fire ban. 

Please see our Burn Permit section on our website for more information. 

 

 

BBQ Tips

 

 

March Education

February's Education

 

February 2024 What’s the Risk in February? 8% of annual loss fires occur in February Average of 39 injuries Average of 7 fatalities Top ignition sources: Cooking equipment Heating equipment (#1 for fire with no loss/injury) Electrical distribution equipment *2011-2020 Ontario avg. fire losses, Office of the Fire Marshal February Fire Safety Concerns Heating equipment Cooking equipment Electrical distribution equipment Carbon monoxide Fireworks Safety: In Ontario between 2009 and 2018, there was an average of approximately 20 fires per year caused by fireworks, resulting in an average of approximately $640,000 in property loss per year. Sparklers burn at 649oC (1200oF), hot enough to cause serious burns.   Home Safety Visits: International research shows that home safety visits to educate about how to prevent fires and install smoke alarms are proven to be one of the most effective strategies to reduce fire risk. Plan now for post-pandemic home safety visits   Open Air Burning:  Raise public awareness of the local rules and restrictions associated with open air burning.

Holiday Fire Safety Q&A's

 

Q1. Why is fire safety a concern during the holidays?                         

   

A1. Statistics show that one in three fire deaths occur during the months of November, December and January.

  Q2. Why are there so many fire fatalities during those three months?

A2. Typically fires happen when people get preoccupied or distracted from what we are doing, or we let our guard down.

And with the busyness of the holidays, it can be very easy to get distracted or let our guard down.

Add to that the likelihood that we might have a drink or two – or more - during the holidays and it becomes very easy to forget about the cooking pot on the stove or let a burning cigarette fall onto the couch.

That’s when a tragedy can happen.

 

Q3. What are some of the leading causes of fires during the holidays and what can people do to prevent them?

A3. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires - people who leave their cooking unattended.

So it is really important to stay in the kitchen while you are cooking.

​If you have to leave for any reason, turn off the stove.

 

Another leading cause is careless smoking. A typical scenario is a person will sit down on the couch with a drink and a cigarette. They may be tired at the end of the day or they get caught up with what’s on TV. It doesn’t take much of a distraction for burning ashes to fall unnoticed on the couch or behind a pillow. And very quickly a fire can occur.

So if you know someone who smokes encourage them to smoke outside. Make sure they use large deep ashtrays. Empty ashes into a metal container – not in the garbage – and put it outside. And people should never smoke in bed.

Cooking and smoking are activities that require careful attention. When you add alcohol to the mix, the combination can lead to disastrous and often fatal results.

Many fire deaths are caused by people attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol.

If you drink, drink responsibly and keep an eye on others in your household who are drinking.

 

Q4. I see you’ve brought in some smoke alarms. Can you talk about the importance of smoke alarms?

A.4 Smoke alarms can be the difference between living or dying in a fire.

Fire spreads so quickly that you may have less than 3 minutes to escape a fire in your home. That means you need as much time as possible to safely escape.

Only working smoke alarms provide the early detection of fire you need to safely escape.

Here are a few examples of smoke alarms. They can cost as little as $14. Make sure you have one on every story of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

And just as important as smoke alarms, you have to make sure everyone in your home knows what to do when the smoke alarms sound in an emergency.

Practice a home escape plan with everyone in the home. Have two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure someone is responsible for helping young children, older adults or people with disabilities to leave the home. Choose a meeting place outside where everyone can be accounted for.

And remember to install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas of your home.

Note: Media are likely to ask about Christmas trees, decorative lights and candles as fire hazards.

Actually the bigger risks are unattended cooking and careless smoking.

So we really need people to stay in the kitchen when cooking. Don’t get distracted and leave the pots on the stove.

If you smoke make sure you use deep ashtrays and fully extinguish cigarettes.

 

Q5. What are some other things that people can do to prevent fires during the holidays?

A5. Christmas Trees:

Make a fresh cut across the trunk about an inch from the original cut when you bring the tree into the house for decorating. Use a tree stand that holds plenty of water.

Trees are thirsty. They may drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed.

Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets and other sources of heat.

NEVER use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree and avoid the use of combustible decorations.

Lights

 

People should remember to inspect their decorative lights every year before using them. If wiring is frayed or worn, or if the lights are old, they should be replaced.

Turn off Christmas tree lights when you leave and before you go to bed at night.

Make sure lights are used in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.

Candles

 

Candles are another cause of fires across the province, especially during the holidays.

If you are going to use candles, make sure you place them in a sturdy holder so they can’t be tipped over.

Keep candles away from anything that can burn and always blow them out before leaving the room.

Keep candles away from children and pets, keep them out of bedrooms and keep them away from the Christmas tree.

 

The number of fires and fire-related injuries and fatalities often increase during the holiday season. Festivities can quickly turn tragic as a result of things such as unattended cooking, faulty decorative lighting and careless use of candles. 

Halloween 2023

 This year more than 5000 people came through the door. We would like to say thank you to everyone who donated and everyone who came by and made the night so special.

 

Burning Permits now online

Recreational and Non-Recreational Burning Permits are now available online

 

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.