FORT MCMURRAY (660 NEWS) – Smoke alarms are being credited for saving numerous lives in two separate house fires in Timberlea in recent weeks.
Local officials said in both instances, the fires started in the early morning hours when residents were asleep. Thanks to the working smoke alarms, they were able to escape the fires, with only minor injuries reported.
“House fires like these serve as critical reminders that smoke alarms make a difference, and save lives,” said Fire Marshal Nick Brenner. “I’m asking each resident to check their smoke alarms when they go home this evening. That five minutes could save your life.”
The Regional Emergency Services’ Fire Prevention Branch is getting ready to launch the annual Home Fire Safety Program. Starting June 1, members will offer to replace expired, missing, or broken smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for free in the neighbourhoods of Woodland, Castle Ridge, Duncan, and Cornerbrook.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo offers the following smoke alarm tips:
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including outside of sleeping areas and in the basement. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected – when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- For older homes, a wireless interconnected smoke alarm system is more cost-effective than hard-wired models.
- When installing smoke alarms, consider units with battery backup.
- Don’t install alarms near drafts that prevent smoke from entering the unit, or near bathrooms or kitchens.
- Test your smoke alarm once a month by pressing the test button.
- Set an alarm on your smartphone to remind you of monthly testing.
- Replace the batteries twice a year. When you change the time on your clocks, change your batteries.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
- Never disable a smoke alarm or borrow its battery.
- Regularly vacuum or dust your smoke alarms, to remove dust and buildup.
- Never paint over a smoke alarm.
Emergency services would also like to take the time to remind residents to always properly dispose of cigarettes.
“At this time of year, it’s common to see increased fires caused by cigarettes discarded improperly inside a potted plant, or underneath a deck,” reads a press release. “High winds and dry conditions can contribute to these fires. Be sure to use a proper ashtray or receptacle. It’s easy for these potted plants to ignite, spreading to the house or nearby structures.”
The following information was provided by the RMWB:
- Since 2016, 24 of the total 106 single-family dwelling structure fires were caused by improperly extinguished smokers materials (equating to nearly 22 per cent, or every fifth single-family dwelling fire.)
- 22 of the 24 fires caused by improperly extinguished smokers materials originated outside of the home
- Nearly 50 per cent of the fires caused by improperly extinguished smokers materials occurred between March and June.
