The fire department in Chatham-Kent is reminding people of the importance of fire prevention, especially during the COVID-19 health crisis.
CK Fire and Emergency Services Public Educator Whitney Burk said the province recently released statistics that show fire deaths across Ontario are up by 65 per cent since January 1 when compared with the same time period last year. Burk said 51 people died in fires in Ontario between January 1 and May 4, 2020. That's an increase of 20 fatalities over the same period last year.
The same can't be said for Chatham-Kent and Burk wants to keep it that way.
"Chatham-Kent has been able to maintain no fire deaths and significant reduction in injuries since 2016, which has been won through a great deal of hard work and innovation," she said.
Burk said CK firefighters focus on dealing with the underpinning causes of fire deaths and injuries such as lifestyle, health inequalities, and the vulnerability of the individual. But over the last few months, they haven't been able to do that work because of the pandemic.
She said she hopes emphasizing the importance of fire prevention during this already stressful time might help continue to keep our community safe.
“In the midst of this pandemic, fires will continue to happen,” said Fire Chief Chris Case. “We are reminding residents to take extra precautions while at home and make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.”
CKFES said a working smoke alarm and an escape plan is always a good idea.
“Prevention is always best, we want to stop fires before they start,” said Burk. “However, if you do have a fire in your home, your best defence is having working alarms and a home escape plan.”
Other fire safety tips include:
1. Limiting distractions when cooking and never leaving a stovetop unattended. 2. Smoke outside and douse cigarettes and ashes before discarding them. 3. Never overload an extension cord or wall socket and avoid counterfeit electrical products.
A guide for a home escape plan can be found here. An emergency preparedness guide can also be found here.
Meanwhile, fire officials in Chatham-Kent said people can still enjoy a fire in their backyards if they have an approved burning device. They said those devices don't need a recreational burn permit and are exempt from the current suspension. CKFES stopped issuing recreational burn permits April 1 to deter people from gathering and to protect first responders from possible exposure to COVID-19 by responding to fewer fire pit calls.
Click here to see what burning devices are allowed in CK.
