Fire Prevention

The OFM has provided barn fire statistics for the 2013-2017 period. Here are a few highlighted facts:

• Over 750 barn fires, many of the barns containing animals/livestock
• 39 reported injuries to humans
• Almost $180 million in loss

These stats do not include field fires, agricultural equipment/vehicle fires or no loss outdoor fires.

On January 4, 2016, 43 racehorses died in the Classy Lane Stables fire. It was the barn fire heard around the world. E

ach year, barn fires rack up millions of dollars in loss and take the lives of thousands of animals. In minutes, a barn fire can wipe out the hard work of generations of dedication to breeding, production, showing and training programs.

Fires can kill pets and human-animal partnerships and can devastate livelihoods in minutes. Due to the extent of damage, the cause of a barn fire is often undetermined. Of those where a cause was determined, electrical and heating appliances are the leading causes of barn fires. 

The good news? Barn fires are preventable and often can be avoided with simple maintenance steps.

Resources

Reducing the Risk of Fire on Your Farm examines the main causes of farm building fires and what you can do to minimize risks.

Barn Fires in Ontario explains the leading causes of barn fires in Ontario and how to prevent them.

10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Barn Fire includes practical best management practices to reduce the risk of barn fires.

Barn Fire Safety Self-Assessment Form

NFPA Rural Fire Safety - Barn Safety Checklist

More at Stake than the Barn - Farm fire safety video created by the Perth East Fire Department

Equine Guelph Fire Prevention Tool outlines the many steps that can be taken to establish good fire prevention practices

If you have any questions or if assistance is required to identify risks on your farm, call the Fire Prevention Department of the Wilmot Fire Department 519-634-5660 ext. 9248.

To get your barbecue ready for grilling season, follow the manufacturer's instructions and the recommendations below.

CLEAN: Use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.

CHECK: Examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.

TEST: Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts and always retest.

INSPECT: Propane cylinders must be inspected, requalified, or replaced every 10 years.

Barbecues are designed for outdoor use only. If used in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide (an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas) could accumulate reaching dangerous exposure levels, which can lead to serious health effects, or even death.

Candle fires most commonly occur when candles are left unattended or something that easily catches fire is left too close to the flame.

Please keep the following tips in mind when using candles.

• Extinguish candles before leaving the room, leaving the house or going to sleep
• Keep candles out of the reach of children or pets in the house
• Place candles in sturdy containers, at least 0.3 metres (1 ft) away from anything that can burn such as clothing, furniture, bedding, carpets, books, flammable Christmas trees or decorations
• Do not place lit candles in windows where they could burn blinds or curtains
• NEVER allow children or teens to have candles in bedrooms
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children; up high and preferably locked up
• Teach children that matches and lighters are only for adults

The leading cause of residential fires is due to cooking (approximately 22% of all fires start in the kitchen). Most kitchen fires are preventable if the following safety tips are followed when cooking:

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• If a pot catches fire, slide a lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Never put water on a kitchen fire or try to move the pot to the sink.
• Keep children at least 1m away (3ft) from around the stove.
• Keep pot handles turned inward.
• Wear tight fitting clothing or roll up your sleeves when using the stove to prevent accidental clothing fires. Do not reach over hot burners.
• Clear all combustible items such as wooden or plastic cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders from stove tops. These objects can easily catch fire if they come in contact with a burner.
• Deep frying is a major kitchen hazard. Use only thermostatically controlled deep fryers to prevent overheating the oil and the chance of fire.
• Cooking requires you to be rested and alert. Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol or medications.
• If you burn yourself, immediately run cool water over the wound for several minutes. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.
• Do not overload electrical outlets with appliances. Use heat-producing appliances away from cupboards, curtains, and other combustible items.

• If an appliance smokes or smells like it is burning, unplug it immediately and have it repaired.
• Check all of your electrical cords and replace any that are cracked or frayed.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under rugs or carpets.
• Do not tamper with the fuse boxes or use the wrong size fuse.
• Unplug items such as toaster and coffee makers when not in use.

The Township of Wilmot will rally its forces in the face of a community wide disaster or emergency, but residents need to be ready too. Having a plan in place is the best way to respond quickly to protect your family, your community and your property. Learn how to make a plan now, before you need one.

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries that can occur when using backyard fireworks, the Wilmot Township Fire Department urges residents to attend professional firework displays.

If you choose to host or attend an informal firework display, please review the Wilmot Township By-law 2023-17 regulating the use of fireworks and review the safety tips below.

By-law Highlights

• Do not set off fireworks in public areas such as parks or sports fields, or on any Township street, highway, or lane as you could face fines.
• Fireworks can only be discharged on Victoria Day, Canada Day and the day immediately before and after these holidays.

Safety Tips

• Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.

• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.

• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

• Discharge fireworks far away from combustible materials like buildings, trees, and dry grass.

• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

• Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground or secured properly and safely.

• Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks.

• Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.

• Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns.

• As the sparkler wire remains hot for some time after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury. 

• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

Fireworks can be very stressful for some people and pets, so take extra care, be respectful to your neighbours and their property, and keep the celebrations a positive experience for everyone.

Today's homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as 60 seconds to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.  

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms are required on all levels of of your home and must be working/not expired in order to give you and your family the time needed to escape a fire. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside of all sleeping areas, if your home has an attached garage, fire place or any fuel burning appliances. They are also require be working/not expired.
• All alarms will expire, even hardwire ones. Check the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm, any older than ten years old replace immediately.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

For more fire prevention tips, activities, videos and more, please visit nfpa.org/fpw

Creating your Escape Plan

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, scooters, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and even cars. Take care when using them. In rare cases, they can cause a fire or explosion.

The Problem

• These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.
• Sometimes batteries are not used the right way; batteries not designed for a specific use can be dangerous.
• Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

Safety Tips

• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
• Keep batteries at room temperature.
• Do not place batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot vehicles.
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Signs of a Problem

Stop using the battery if you notice these problems: odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, odd noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.

Battery Disposal

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
• Recycling is always the best option.
• Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.
• Do not put discarded batteries in piles.

High-Tech Luggage

Some major airlines no longer accept ‘smart’ luggage with non-removable lithium-ion batteries as checked or carry-on luggage. The powerful batteries can potentially overheat and pose a fire hazard during flight. 

In some instances, smart bags with removable lithium-ion batteries will be allowed on board if the battery can be removed on site and taken on board with the customer. Check with your airline for restrictions.

When the weather turns cold, it can bring a chill into our homes. Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement central heating or heat one room. If you plan to use portable electric
space heaters, make sure to follow these tips and recommendations:

Heater Checklist

• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from anything that can burn, including people.
• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
• Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
• Keep children away from the space heater.
• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.

Types of electric space heaters

• Oil or water-filled radiator: Heated oil or water travels through the heater.
• Fan-forced heater: A fan blows warm air over metal coils.
• Ceramic heater: Air is warmed over a ceramic heating element.
• Infrared heaters: Heat is created by infrared bulbs.

Fact

Two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric space heaters.

• Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Provide sturdy, deep ashtrays and make sure cigarette butts and ashes are out before throwing them away.
• Never smoke in bed or when you are feeling drowsy. It is just as dangerous to fall asleep smoking on the couch or in a chair as it is in a bed.
• Smokers need watchers. Before going to sleep, check under and around sofa cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children - up high and preferably locked up.
• Teach children that matches and lighters are only for adults.