Fire safety information:
Here's a comprehensive overview of fire prevention information in Kawartha Lakes, covering campfires, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, cooking safety, combustible material storage, fire suppression and BBQ safety.
Campfires and Open Air Fires:
Follow the City's open air by-law regulations when having fires outdoors.
Keep fire pits and campfires safe and controlled, ensuring they are attended at all times.
Maintain clear space around fire sites and avoid burning prohibited materials.
Ensure open fires are permitted by checking hazardous level and only after 6pm.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
All residential dwellings must have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
Homes with attached garages, fuel-burning appliances, or fireplaces must have carbon monoxide (CO) alarms adjacent to sleeping areas and on every storey.
Smoke alarms can be ionization or photoelectric types; combination smoke and CO alarms are also available.
Replace alarms according to manufacturer instructions, generally every 10 years.
Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually or when low-battery chirps occur.
Hardwired alarms must be replaced with hardwired alarms; battery-operated alarms cannot replace hardwired ones.
More details: Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms
Carbon Monoxide Safety:
CO is a colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels like wood, propane, natural gas, heating oil, charcoal, gasoline, etc.
New Ontario Fire Code requirements effective January 1, 2026, expand CO alarm placement in homes.
Protect your family by installing CO alarms near sleeping areas and on every floor, maintaining fuel-burning appliances, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Never use barbecues or fuel-burning generators indoors or in garages.
If a CO alarm sounds and symptoms occur (headache, nausea, dizziness), evacuate immediately and call 911.
More info: Fire Safety - Carbon Monoxide
Cooking Safety:
Keep cooking areas clean and free of combustible materials.
Do not store items on the back of the stove.
Avoid reaching over hot burners; roll up sleeves or wear short sleeves.
Keep pot lids nearby to smother small fires.
If a small fire occurs, slide a lid over the pot and turn off the burner.
Storage of Combustible Materials:
Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from furnaces, baseboard heaters, woodstoves, and fireplaces.
Store lithium-ion batteries away from heat, direct sunlight, and anything flammable.
Dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly at hazardous waste depots; do not throw them in regular trash.
Avoid crushing, bending, or dropping devices with lithium-ion batteries.
For e-bikes, and electric scooters, follow manufacturer instructions carefully and never leave charging devices unattended.
Propane cylinders and gas containers should be stored outside when possible.
Fire Suppression Systems:
While specific fire suppression system details are not outlined here, maintaining working smoke and CO alarms is critical.
Fire extinguisher training is available through Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue for groups and workplaces.
Fire suppression blanket or fire extinguisher should be located in a easy to use location.
Practice home escape plans regularly, ensuring two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place outside.
BBQ Use:
Always follow the safety precautions provided with your BBQ unit.
Use BBQs outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from buildings, overhangs, trees, or combustible materials.
Never leave a BBQ unattended while in use.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
Avoid using BBQs indoors, in garages, or enclosed spaces to prevent fire hazards and carbon monoxide buildup.
For Further information contact Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue.