Local fire prompts reminder for the importance of installing smoke and CO alarms

St. Marys Fire Department battles early morning house fire

The St. Marys Fire Department says 911 received a call from the occupants of a home at 500 Queen Street East shortly after 5:30 a.m. on January 2, 2021.  Upon their arrival, flames and smoke were coming from the single-storey residential building.

“The firefighters did an excellent job in their initial attack and they had the fire out fairly quickly.” said St. Marys Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. Unfortunately, the occupants of the home did not have any smoke alarms and the structure was a complete loss. Thankfully there were no injuries reported. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.

In light of this event, the St. Marys Fire Department wants to remind residents that working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will help you escape a house fire. They are urging all residents to install and regularly test all smoke and CO alarms and to practice a home escape plan with everyone in your home so everyone knows exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

It is the law that every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in fines for homeowners.

If your home does not currently have the required number of smoke or CO alarms, a limited quantity of complimentary combination Smoke/CO alarms are available at the Municipal Operations Centre. Please contact Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson at 519-284-2340 x 201 to request them. For more information on smoke alarms and how to keep your family safe in the event of a fire, please visit the Town’s website.  

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For media inquiries:
Beverly Brenneman, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | bbrenneman@town.stmarys.on.ca