Fire safety doesn’t take a vacation

July 31, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service shares tips for summer fire prevention

Cottage season is a time for many to relax and have fun at a summer getaway. But there is one thing that never takes a vacation: fire safety! Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is providing the following guidelines to help you safely enjoy your summer wherever it takes you.
 
At the cottage
  • In Ontario, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is required in every residence that has a fossil fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas furnace, propane barbecue, stove or dryer. Install your CO alarm outside, or near the sleeping area.
  • Ensure you have a backup CO alarm near the fossil fuel-burning appliance or furnace.
  • Develop and practise an emergency escape plan (PDF) – establishing all exits, including windows – with everyone staying at your cottage, so they know how to get out in case of a fire. 
Outdoor fireplaces, chimineas and fuel-burning appliances
  • Store combustible material and flammable liquids away from all fuel-burning appliances.
  • Maintain a minimum of three metres between the fireplace and combustible objects and surfaces to prevent the ignition from radiant heat and ensure all chimneys and vents are free of debris. Check the unit regularly for cracks or other physical deterioration.
  • Use appropriate insulating material, such as a metal or stone fire pit pad, between the unit and wood if it is used on a wooden deck.
  • Burn clean, dry firewood only and limit the amount of firewood burning to ensure the flames are confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney.
Constantly supervise the fire unit when in use and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Just in case, keep a method of fire snuffing nearby (e.g. a fire extinguisher, pail of water, garden hose, etc.) and avoid using an outdoor fireplace in high winds. For more guidelines on backyard firepits and chimineas, visit Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service’s webpage.
 
Barbecues
  • Use barbecues outdoors only. They produce CO, a scentless, poisonous gas that can be fatal in an enclosed space.
  • Ensure all burner ports are free of rust, dirt or cobwebs. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure they are clear of any obstructions.
  • Check hose and cylinder connections to make sure they are in good condition. To look for leaks, brush a mixture of 50 per cent soap and 50 per cent water onto all hoses and connections and look for bubbles. Replace, repair or tighten any connections until bubbles are gone. Never use a match or lighter to check for leaks.
  • Clean out grease traps and keep grill areas free of debris.
  • Place the barbecue in a safe area away from combustible materials, buildings and fences. Radiant heat from a barbecue can damage the siding on the exterior of a home or shed.
  • Turn off the gas and wait five minutes if the burner does not ignite. Keep the lid open, then try again.
When using charcoal grills, only use charcoal briquettes (a compressed chunk of coal dust or charcoal) explicitly designed for that purpose and charcoal lighting fluids to ignite. Sprinkle the briquettes with lighter fluid and allow it to soak in, then wait approximately 10 minutes. Never add fluid after igniting the barbecue, and never use gasoline to light a barbecue.
 
Fireworks
As outlined in the City’s Fireworks By-law 142-2006 (PDF), the only days citizens may set off consumer fireworks without a permit are Victoria Day and Canada Day. For details, visit vaughan.ca/fireworks. To report an instance of illegal fireworks, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
 
For more information about fire tips and prevention, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
 
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