Fire Prevention Week 2011
Campaign Kit
Presented by
Table of Contents
Introduction
Message from AEMA Managing Director .......................................................................................... 3
Message from the Fire Commissioner .............................................................................................. 4
Fire Prevention Week ........................................................................................................................ 5
Fire Prevention
Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with ........................................................................................ 6
Testing your smoke alarm knowledge ............................................................................................... 7
Stop being a nuisance ..................................................................................................................... 10
Keep your cool when the alarm sounds .......................................................................................... 11
Clear the way!.................................................................................................................................. 12
Plan an escape for everyone........................................................................................................... 13
Smoke Alarms for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing .......................................................... 14
Sleeping like a baby ........................................................................................................................ 15
Should I stay or should I go? ........................................................................................................... 16
Sleepover fire safety for kids ........................................................................................................... 17
Explaining fire safety rules to children ............................................................................................. 18
Home sweet home .......................................................................................................................... 19
Cooking up fire safety ...................................................................................................................... 20
Warm up to fire safety ..................................................................................................................... 21
Up in smoke..................................................................................................................................... 22
Don't let your dryer become a fire hazard ....................................................................................... 23
Popular decoration can turn happy home into major disaster ......................................................... 24
The shocking truth ........................................................................................................................... 25
Fire in your garage! ......................................................................................................................... 26
Case Studies - Lessons Learned from Alberta Fires
Elderly couple rudely awakened by arson fire ................................................................................. 28
Candle left unattended causes house fire ....................................................................................... 29
Deep-frying and the dangers of overheated cooking oil ................................................................. 30
Smoky apartment linked to common household appliance ............................................................. 31
Fast Facts
Did you know? Fast facts about fires in Alberta .............................................................................. 34
Did you know? Where in the homes do fires start?......................................................................... 35
Did you know? Major causes of home fires .................................................................................... 36
Did you know? Fast facts about arson or set-fires .......................................................................... 37
Fire prevention resources in Alberta ............................................................................................... 38
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Other sources of information
Three minute drill campaign:
Visit www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca, a unique Alberta-made interactive website, where you
can learn fire prevention.
Fire prevention and safety tips
Safety tips are available on the AEMA website at: http://www.aema.alberta.ca
Click the Public Education & Awareness tab.
Access kit online
Visit the Alberta Emergency Management Agency website at:
http://www.aema.alberta.ca, choose “Public Education & Awareness” tab and then select
the Fire Prevention Week - 2011 link
Contact us
For more information on Fire Prevention Week, contact the AEMA at 780-422-9000.
Outside Edmonton, call toll-free within Alberta by dialing 310-0000 or emailing:
aema@gov.ab.ca.
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Message from AEMA Managing Director
Welcome to Fire Prevention Week 2011.
This year, perhaps more than other years, fire prevention is
top of mind for Albertans. After witnessing the extent of
property damaged in the Slave Lake fire, we are reminded
that fire can cause horrific loss.
Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity for us to reach out to
Albertans with information about how to prevent fires and
how to stay safe if a fire does occur. The theme of this
year’s Fire Prevention Week is Protect your Family from
Fire. There are things we can all do to keep our families safe
like creating a fire escape plan and practicing it with your
family, regularly checking your smoke alarms and ensuring
you take steps to reduce the chance of fire in your home.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency’s mandate is
to protect people, their property, the environment and the economy from the effects of
emergency events.
Practicing fire safety will protect your family, friends and neighbours, and the emergency
responders dispatched during fire emergencies. Together we can reduce the number of fires
and fire-related tragedies.
Original signed by
Dana Woodworth
Managing Director
"Public Safety is our Common Purpose"
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Message from the Fire Commissioner
Fire Prevention Week 2011 is upon us. This year’s theme is
Protect your Family from Fire. By taking steps to prevent fires
and being prepared in case a fire occurs, we are protecting
our loved ones and arming them with the information they
need during an emergency.
Research on home fires show that in as little as three
minutes, a fire can become deadly to the occupants due to
toxic smoke when synthetic materials in drapes, carpeting,
and furniture burn.
A well-trained and well-equipped urban fire service will reach a burning home in seven minutes
or more after a call is received. This may be too late to save occupants who could already be
overcome by toxic smoke. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent fires in the home and ensure
their own safe evacuation.
Fire Prevention Week reminds all Albertans about the tragedies and loss fires can cause. More
importantly, it reminds Albertans about the ways they can prevent fires and protect themselves
and their families.
I encourage everyone to visit our interactive website at www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca where you
can learn more about home fire safety.
Let’s make Alberta a fire safe province!
Yours in fire safety,
Original signed by
Trent R. West, Executive Director, Public Safety Initiatives
and Fire Commissioner
Alberta Emergency Management Agency
"Public Safety is our Common Purpose"
4
Fire Prevention Week
Protect your Family from Fire
Fire Prevention Week, just like the fire service itself, has a long and proud history.
This special week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire. The tragic 1871
conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400
structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
Every year, fire and life safety educators across Canada bring important safety messages
during Fire Prevention Week to their communities to help prevent fires, deaths, injuries and
property damage.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), in partnership with emergency services
across the province, recognizes Fire Prevention Week as an important awareness campaign
that teaches Albertans about fire prevention and safety.
During the five year period, 2005 – 2009, on average, there were 5300 fires reported to the
AEMA each year. These fires result in an average of 31 deaths, 230 injuries and approximately
$380 million in direct property loss.
Of the total number of fires reported in Alberta, homes comprising of one- and two-family
dwellings, apartments and mobile homes account for the largest portion of the losses -- 33 per
cent of all fires, 70 per cent of all fire deaths, 58 per cent of all fire injuries and 48 per cent of all
property losses. It is clear that most fire deaths and injuries happen in places where Albertans
feel the safest - their homes. Home fire safety continues to be a priority for the AEMA and the
fire and emergency services in Alberta.
Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires, careless smoking is the number
one cause of home fire deaths, and unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fire
injuries in Alberta.
The major causes of home fires in Alberta and other jurisdictions in North America are cooking,
home heating, smoking, electrical and arson/vandalism. These and other statistics tell us how
fires start and help us monitor trends over time. We can learn from fires that have happened in
the past and try to prevent similar fires from happening in the future.
In Alberta, Fire Prevention Week is supported by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency
and local fire and emergency services. Watch for special fire prevention messages from
October 9 - 15, 2011. Visit: http://www.aema.alberta.ca/
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education & Awareness tab.
5
Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with
The sound of a smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death in a fire.
Research shows that working smoke alarms cut the chances of dying in a fire by nearly half. But
they must be working properly to do so.
Data from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency show that many homes have smoke
alarms that do not activate when smoke is present, usually because of missing, disconnected or
dead batteries. Lack of a power source is the main reason why smoke alarms don’t work
properly.
Many homes in Alberta may not have any smoke alarms, not enough smoke alarms, alarms that
are too old, or alarms that are not working. A "working" smoke alarm will beep when smoke is
present or when the test button is pressed, has a power source (battery or household electric
circuit), is not plugged by dust, cob-webs or paint. Alberta’s fire commissioner recommends that
working smoke alarms are installed in every home, on every level (including the basement),
outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom.
Age matters
If a smoke alarm is 10 years old or older, it needs to be replaced.
Types of alarms
Experts agree that interconnected smoke alarms offer the best protection; when one sounds,
others in the home also activate which helps quicken a family’s response to smoke and fire.
There are also wireless interconnected smoke alarms on the market and these are easy to
install by the homeowner. Newer model battery-operated smoke alarms with 10-year lithium
batteries do not require the annual battery replacement, however, they must be tested once a
month to ensure they are in working condition. Specially designed smoke alarms for the hearing
and visually impaired are also available.
Is your smoke alarm in good working order?
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Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in
your home knows their sound.
If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired
alarms, when they’re 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
Never remove the batteries or disable a smoke alarm.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
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Testing your smoke alarm knowledge
Think you know all there is to know about smoke alarms? Challenge yourself by taking this
quiz!
True or False ....
1. I should replace my smoke alarm every 10 years.
2. A smoke alarm connected to household current is better than a battery-operated smoke
alarm.
3. Ionization smoke alarms are better than photo-electric smoke alarms.
4. I will smell the smoke, so I don't need a smoke alarm.
5. Most people who die in fires are burned.
6. I should test my smoke alarms annually.
7. My smoke alarm goes off every time I make toast. I should disable it so it won't give
nuisance alarms.
8. My family and I have more than 3 minutes to get out of the house after the smoke alarm
goes off.
ANSWERS:
1. I should replace my smoke alarm every 10 years.
True.
Like all electronic equipment, smoke alarms have a defined life span. Smoke alarms generally
have a life span between 7 and 10 years, depending on the specific manufacturer and model.
To best determine how to care for your smoke alarm, read the manufacturer's instructions that
came with your smoke alarm. Throughout the life of your alarm, test it every month to ensure it
is functioning properly.
2. A smoke alarm connected to household current is better than a battery-operated smoke
alarm.
False.
Both types of smoke alarms in Canada must be tested to the same standard and listed by an
accredited testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, therefore both
types are equally effective. However, both types of smoke alarms should be tested monthly.
You will need to change the batteries in battery-operated smoke alarms at least once per year.
3. Ionization smoke alarms are better than photo-electric smoke alarms.
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False.
Both types of smoke alarms are tested and listed by an accredited testing organization such as
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada as life safety devices to the same standard - CAN/ULCM531 Standard for Smoke Alarms, and are equally effective.
4. I will smell the smoke, so I don't need a smoke alarm.
False.
One side effect of fires is the generation of carbon monoxide in smoke. Carbon monoxide will
aid in the deepening of sleep and will affect the ability of your senses to function properly. Each
house should have smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas.
5. Most people who die in fires have suffered serious burns.
False.
Most people who die from home fires die from breathing the smoke and toxic gases from the fire
- not from being burned by flames. These poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide, can
render a person confused and disoriented or even unconscious after only a few breaths.
These toxic effects may overcome you long before you have time to orient yourself to get out of
your own home. If you are asleep and breathe poisonous gases, you may never be able to
wake up in time to escape the fire danger.
Smoke alarms are your best chance of being alerted to a house fire early enough to escape.
6. I should test my smoke alarms monthly.
True.
You should test your smoke alarms monthly. This is the only way to make sure that they are in
working condition. Only working smoke alarms can protect your family from fire!
If you have battery-operated alarms, replace batteries according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Usually the battery will last approximately one year before needing replacement.
7. My smoke alarm goes off every time I make toast. I should disable it so it won't give
nuisance alarms.
False.
You need smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If your
smoke alarms give nuisance alarms, try the following:
 Relocate the existing smoke alarm a short distance away.
 Gently vacuum the outside of the unit, following manufacturer's directions.
 Clean your toaster regularly to remove crumbs which can produce smoke when the heat is
on.
 Replace the smoke alarm with a new one. You can purchase one with a "hush" feature.
You could also replace an ionization smoke alarm in the kitchen with a photoelectric type.
8. My family and I have about 3 minutes to get out of the house after the smoke alarm goes off.
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True.
Studies have shown that you generally have about 3 minutes to escape from your home in the
event of a fire. This is why it is so important to establish an escape plan for everyone in the
family and to practice home fire drills.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
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Stop being a nuisance
Dealing with nuisance alarms safely
There’s nothing quite like the smell of burned toast. It lingers for hours and, even worse, it often
causes the smoke alarm to sound. Unfortunately, our first reaction is to remove or disconnect
the batteries. But that is the worst possible action we could take.
Nuisance alarms, as they’re called, usually occur when toast or other cooking items are burned.
They can also occur when opening the door of a hot oven or when opening the bathroom door
after a hot, steamy shower.
"It's very important that Albertans do not remove or disconnect the batteries from their smoke
alarms," said Trent West, Alberta’s fire commissioner. "There are simple ways to deal with
nuisance alarms that won’t compromise the safety of your family."
Albertans can use the following tips to keep smoke alarms active but avoid nuisance alarms:
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Keep ovens and stovetop burners clean.
Clean out accumulations of crumbs in the bottom of toasters.
Use the fan on the range hood when cooking to help remove steam and combustion
particles from the air.
Try moving the alarm to another location. Moving a smoke alarm just a few centimeters can
often be enough to significantly reduce nuisance alarms.
It often helps to fan away the smoke to stop the sound from the smoke alarm.
Install smoke alarms with a pause or hush feature that will temporarily silence the alarm and
then automatically re-set itself.
Replace ionization alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric ones, which may be less
likely to activate due to cooking activities.
Keep smoke alarms in the best possible working order by vacuuming them annually and
replacing alarms that are more than 10 years old.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
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Keep your cool when the alarm sounds
Plan your escape
Imagine awakening from your sleep to hear your smoke alarm beeping. You are groggy,
confused and scared. This is a time when many people panic and end up making serious sometimes fatal - mistakes.
Make sure that everyone in your home knows exactly what to do when the alarm sounds or
there is smoke or fire. A good escape plan that your family has practiced will help everyone
deal with a scary situation in a calm and safe manner.
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Get out quickly if there is a fire because fire moves extremely fast. You may have only 3
minutes or less before the toxic smoke overtakes you (please visit:
www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca)
Teach children to never hide in closets or under beds.
Choose two ways out of every room. If heat or smoke blocks the usual fire exit (door), then
use the second way out (another door or the window).
Test doors before opening them:
 feel the door and look for smoke coming in around the edges.
 if the door is not hot and there is no smoke coming in, open it slowly, but be prepared
to slam it shut if heat or smoke rush in.
 if the door is hot, use your other exit.
If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest exit.
Smoke will rise to the ceiling, leaving cooler, cleaner air close to the floor.
Parents should take into account the limitations of young children, the elderly or disabled
when planning a fire escape.
If you live in an apartment building and the smoke alarm goes off, only use the stairs. Never
use an elevator.
Choose a family meeting spot, a safe distance away from the home. It can be as simple as
meeting under a neighbour's tree.
Practice, practice, practice. If your family has rehearsed various emergencies regularly,
they will know exactly what to do if the real thing occurs.
When you are making your escape plan, do not assume young children will be woken by a
smoke alarm. According to recent research, children under the age of 9 experience the deepest
sleep of all groups studied. If you have young children at home, it is best to practice your home
fire escape drill during sleeping hours. It is an adult’s responsibility to awaken young children
during a fire emergency and get them out safely.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
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Clear the way!
Blocked Exits Can Become Fire Traps
Our homes are our sanctuaries, filled with the items that make us feel comfortable and safe.
But when furniture, boxes and other items block or clutter doors and windows, they can become
inadvertent fire hazards that threaten or altogether eliminate occupants’ ability to escape a fire.
"Every room you sleep in or spend time in should have two fire exits," recommends Trent West,
Fire Commissioner with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. "Usually we recommend
a door and a window. But those exits need to be kept clear at all times because you never know
when you'll need to use them."
Keep your exits clear
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Remove any interior key operated locks or padlocks on doors.
Check to see that all windows open and close easily. Remove any nails or paint that jam
them shut.
If you have security bars on one or more windows make sure they have quick release
devices that everyone in your home knows how to use.
If you use permanent hurricane shutters during storms, remember to put them back in the
open position when there is no longer a storm threat. If you use plywood sheets, remove
them when the inclement weather passes.
Remove all smaller items in and around windows, including potted plants, which can slow
down escape.
If you have padlocks on your doors or windows, remove them so the door or window can be
used as an escape route.
When arranging furniture and other items, make sure that you’re not blocking doors or
windows with televisions, heavy dressers, tables, couches, toys, or even potted plants.
Christmas trees and other holiday decorations can light up a room - but don’t let them block
your escape route. Place trees and holiday decorations away from doors and windows that
would be used to escape.
Many Albertans insulate their windows with plastic membrane during the winter. Make sure
everyone in your family can easily remove the plastic in case of an emergency.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
12
Plan an escape for everyone
Fire safety for disabled family members
If you have family members or visitors who have a disability or special challenges, it’s important
to include them in your fire escape planning. They may have additional needs. If special
assistance or devices are required, they need to be identified and arranged for as part of the
escape plan. Help increase fire safety for everyone in your home by following the guidelines
below.
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Make sure the escape plan includes everyone in the household. If you or someone you live
with cannot escape alone, designate a member of the household to assist him or her. Have
a back-up plan in case the designated helper is away at the time of the emergency.
Locate this person's bedroom on the ground floor near an exit to make escape easier. Make
sure that smoke alarms are installed in or near any sleeping area and have a telephone or
telecommunications device installed there, too. Consider having ramps constructed for
emergency exits.
Install a smoke alarm that uses a flashing strobe light or vibration along with the sound
alarm if any member of your household is hard of hearing.
Some smoke alarms are equipped with large, easy to push test buttons. Alarms that can be
tested using a flashlight or television remote are particularly helpful for people with mobility
challenges, people who are blind, and for older adults.
Conduct regular fire drills to determine if everyone is able to hear and respond to smoke
alarms. If someone requires additional warning or uses a guide dog, incorporate that need
into the fire escape plan.
Post emergency telephone numbers in central locations. Keep a telephone or cell phone
nearby so that communication with emergency personnel is possible should fire or smoke
trap someone.
Regular and electric wheelchair users should consider having an extra manual wheelchair
stored in a garage or shed in case they need to be evacuated without their regular chair,
particularly if it’s a heavy motorized type.
Contact your local fire department to review emergency escape procedures and discuss
your abilities and any challenges.
It’s too late to begin figuring out how you’ll escape once the smoke alarm sounds, particularly for
households where one or more persons has a disability. Planning and practicing are the keys to
being prepared in the event of a fire or other emergency that requires you to evacuate your
home.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
13
Smoke Alarms for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Smoke alarms save lives. However, people who are deaf or hard of hearing may not be able to
depend on the traditional smoke alarm to alert them to a fire.
Smoke alarms and alert devices, called accessories, are available for people who are deaf and
hard of hearing.
Accessories for deaf and hard of hearing people
Strobe lights throughout the home are activated by smoke detectors and alert people
who are deaf or hard of hearing. When people who are deaf or hard of hearing are asleep, a
high intensity strobe light is required along with a pillow or bed shaker to wake them up and alert
them to fire conditions so they can escape. Currently, this equipment is activated by the sound
of a standard smoke alarm.
Accessories for hard of hearing people
Recent research has shown that a loud, mixed low-pitched sound is more effective for waking
people of all ages than the loud high-pitched sound of a traditional smoke alarm. As people age,
their ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases.
Research the available products and select one that best meets your individual needs.
Where to find equipment
Smoke alarms with built in or separate strobe lights can be purchased through home
improvement store websites or by searching the internet for “strobe light smoke alarms.”
BRK/First Alert, Gentex and Kidde brands offer this type of smoke alarm.
Smoke alarm accessories such as bed/pillow shakers, transmitters and receivers are available
through www.lifetone.com and www.safeawake.com. Make sure any smoke alarm or accessory
device you use has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1979&itemID=46567&URL=Safety%20Informati
on/Safety%20tip%20sheets
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
14
Sleeping like a baby
Nighttime fire drills critical for heavy sleepers and children
Is someone in your family a heavy sleeper? Whether it’s a child or an adult, people who are
heavy sleepers need extra help if there is a fire in your home. That’s because heavy sleepers
may not wake up when a smoke alarm sounds. Or, their judgment may be impaired when they
do wake up because they are groggy and confused.
Current research indicates that children may have different sleep patterns than adults, which
may prevent them from hearing and reacting appropriately to alarms. It appears that children,
especially those under 15, have a deep-sleep phase in the first few hours after they fall asleep,
which may prevent them from hearing and reacting appropriately to smoke alarms. This does
not mean that smoke alarms are useless; it means that, in addition to a having smoke alarms,
fire escape planning is an even greater necessity.
Smoke alarms save lives by providing you with an early warning of smoke and fire danger.
However, you won’t know how your children or household members will react to the sound of a
smoke alarm until you’ve tested their response to it. When you have only moments to get out
safely, a fire is not the time to discover these obstacles. If your family practices a home fire drill
at least twice a year, including during the night, you can identify these issues and plan for them
in your fire escape plan.
For children and other family members who sleep through alarms, appoint an adult or babysitter
to be responsible for them in advance. Practice escape drills so your children know how the
alarm sounds and what it means. By practicing your escape plan, you can find out any
problems with safe escape beforehand and take action before it is too late.
Children are not the only ones at risk of sleeping through an alarm. The elderly, sleep-deprived
students, shift workers, teenagers, the hearing impaired and anyone taking sedating medication
or alcohol or drugs may be affected. Routine home fire drills will help you detect unanticipated
special needs when the smoke alarm sounds.
It is a frightening thought to realize that your child or household member may sleep through the
piercing sound of a smoke alarm. However, by planning and practicing a fire escape plan at
night you can identify potential problems and solve them.
To find out how to practice a fire drill at home, please visit:
http://www.aema.alberta.ca/documents/ema/Home_fire_escape_planning.pdf
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
15
Should I stay or should I go?
For apartment dwellers, knowing when to evacuate is critical
Even if you don’t know much about escaping a fire, you’ve likely heard that you should get out
of a burning building as quickly as possible. By and large, that message is true. But there are
some fire escape tips specific to people who live in high-rise apartment buildings. In fact,
sometimes the safest thing you can do in a tall building fire is to stay put and wait for further
instruction from the building managers or the firefighters.
Here are guidelines that all Albertans who live in apartments including high-rise apartment
buildings should follow to best protect themselves and their families from home fires:
Know the plan
Make sure you're familiar with your building's evacuation plan. Be sure to participate when your
building drills take place. When looking for an apartment or high-rise home, look for one with
automatic fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can control or extinguish a fire in less time than it takes for
the fire department to arrive.
Never use the elevator
In case of fire, always use the stairs to get outside, never the elevator. If someone in your family
has difficulty climbing down steps, make sure to plan for this.
Stay low and go
When you hold your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under
the smoke to the exit. If stairwells are filled with smoke in a fire, stay in your apartment and wait
for the firefighters.
Seal yourself in for safety
If you can't get out of your building due to smoke or fire in the hallway, call the fire department to
report your exact location and gather in a room with a window to await their arrival. Wave a
flashlight or light colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are
located. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to create a seal
around the door and over air vents in order to keep smoke from coming in.
Stay by the window
If possible, open your windows at the top and the bottom so fresh air can get in. Don't break the
window - if smoke enters the room from outside the building, you won't be able to protect
yourself.
Practice is key
Whether your building has one floor or 50, it's essential that you and your family are prepared to
respond to a fire alarm. Identify all of the exits in your building and if you are using an escape
planning map, mark them on your escape plan. Make sure to mark the various stairways too, in
case one is blocked by fire.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
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Sleepover fire safety for kids
Is your child safe staying overnight at a friend's home? The Alberta Emergency Management
Agency recommends thinking about fire safety when you answer that age-old question, "Mom,
can I sleep over at my friend's house?"
Before you permit your child to sleep over with a friend, talk to the child's parents, recommends
the Agency. Depending on what you learn, it can either uncover serious fire dangers or give you
peace of mind during your child's sleepover.
The following checklist helps parents consider hazards and make decisions about slumber
parties and sleepovers.
Before you say "yes"
 How well do you know the home?
 Is the home clean? Does it appear to be structurally sound?
 If the home has security bars on doors and windows, do you know for certain that the bars
have quick release devices inside, so your child could get out in an emergency?
 Is your child comfortable in the home and with all the occupants?
 Are you comfortable leaving your child in the home overnight?
How well do you know the parent(s)?
 Are they mature, responsible and conscientious?
 Will they supervise the children throughout the stay?
 Are they cautious with smoking materials, matches and lighters, and candles?
Ask the parents
 Are there working smoke alarms on every level, inside and outside each sleeping area? Are
the alarms interconnected?
 Do they have a well-rehearsed fire escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting
place outside?
 Where will your child be sleeping? Is there a smoke alarm in the room? Are there two
escape routes from the room?
 Will the parents walk through their escape plan with your child?
 Do the parents prohibit bedroom candle use by children?
If you don't know for certain that the friend's home is equipped with working smoke alarms, and
that the sleepover will be supervised by an adult, don't take the risk. One way of dealing with
this is to reverse the invitation and host the sleepover at your own home.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
17
Explaining fire safety rules to children
Positive communication is key
Talking to children about fire can seem daunting. On one hand, you don't want to scare them,
but on the other hand, you also want to communicate the serious nature of fires.
Trent West, Fire Commissioner with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, says parents
should use clear language. "As parents, we want to talk honestly with our children so they
understand fire risks. Research shows that it's important to use positive language and
examples. They are more likely to understand this than if we try to scare them."
For instance, talk to your children about what to do if they find a lighter or package of matches.
Let them know that if they find some, they should bring them directly to you because they are
not toys. If your child ever does bring them to you, make sure to praise them and make it clear
how proud you are of them. Tell them that if they find any of their friends, or any other children,
playing with matches or lighters, that they’re to come straight to you or the nearest adult and let
them know. Stress that doing so doesn’t make them a tattletale, but a child who’s growing up
and looking after others.
Explain that even though small flames like the ones on candles, lighters and matches don't look
very big, they can get very big very fast. Without scaring them, explain the damage fire can do,
and that it can make their house and toys go away, and hurt them and their family. Then, give
them positive messages about what they can do:
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Only use electrical cords and outlets with an adult's supervision.
Use the stove and oven with your parents or other adults.
Keep things that burn, like paper and clothing, away from hot things like heaters and lamps.
Tell an adult immediately if they see a fire.
Teach them how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes ever catch fire.
Practice your family fire escape plan together. Remind them that their only concern when
the smoke alarm goes off or when you yell, "Fire!" is to leave the house calmly and quickly.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
18
Home sweet home
Keep your home safe and sound
We have all heard about a family that loses everything in a fire. We can’t imagine what it would
be like and we hope it never happens to us. There are many things that we can do to prevent
fires from happening in our homes.
Kitchen
Kitchens are where most fires happen in Alberta homes. The best way to prevent a cooking fire
is to stay in the kitchen and pay close attention to what’s cooking on the stovetop. Also, keep
items that can catch fire well away from the stove.
If you experience a small pan fire, turn off the heat, put on an oven mitt and carefully slide a
tight-fitting lid over the pan. This cuts the oxygen and allows the fire to die down. Leave the
pan covered and in place until it has completely cooled. Never throw water on a flaming pan or
pot of oil because an explosion of flaming oil droplets will erupt, spreading the fire and causing
injuries.
Bedrooms
Avoid smoking in bed. Put out candles before going to bed and never leave a candle
unattended. Have working smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
For added protection, install smoke alarms inside each bedroom.
Bathroom
Hot water burns like fire. You can prevent hot-water burns by replacing the shower head and tub
spout with new models that have anti-scald technology. Care must be taken when bathing
babies and young children who have very thin skins and are easily scalded by hot water that
may be bearable to an adult’s hand. The same caution applies to the frail and the elderly.
Living Room
Do not overload electrical outlets. Make sure an adult is in the room and paying attention when
a candle is lit and be sure the candle is blown out before leaving the room.
Basement
Store flammable products outside your home. Vapours from gasoline, paint thinner and other
similar products can ignite by open flames such as the pilot lights.
Laundry Room
Lint that builds up in the dryer is a fire hazard. Clean the lint trap after every load of laundry.
Occasionally, use the vacuum attachment to clean inside the dryer vent. Only use the dryer
when you are home and turn it off if you go out.
Garage
Store only small amounts of gasoline in a locked cabinet or shed and use a tightly-sealed
container approved for gasoline storage. Lock your garage to prevent potential arsonists or
vandals from entering and setting fire.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
19
Cooking up fire safety
Albertans are cooking up more than food in their kitchens.
Did you know that cooking fires continue to be the number one cause of home fires and home
fire injuries in Alberta?
Most kitchen fires can be avoided by paying attention when cooking in the kitchen. Follow these
safety tips to avoid a kitchen fire.
In the kitchen
 Check on your cooking regularly and use a timer to remind you when your food is done
cooking.
 Stay in the kitchen when food is frying, grilling, simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling. If you
leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
 Stay alert. If you are sleepy, fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is best to
avoid cooking.
 Keep children and pets away from cooking areas.
 Use the back burners of the stove whenever possible.
 Turn pot handles inward to avoid them from being knocked over.
 When frying foods, use a temperature-controlled fat fryer or skillet designed for a maximum
temperature of 200° C.
 Keep all combustible items away from the stovetop. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing or
dangling sleeves while cooking.
 Clean food and grease from stovetops. Keep the burners, exhaust fan filters/ducts and oven
clean.
Microwave fire safety tips
 Plug a microwave directly into the wall socket.
 Use only microwave-safe containers to heat food.
 Cool food for a minute or more before removing it from the microwave.
 Open microwave containers slowly to avoid burns from hot steam escaping from the
container(s).
 Never use aluminum foil or metal objects in a microwave oven.
In case of a fire
 If a small grease fire starts in the pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the
pan, and turning off the heat.
 For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from
spreading and possibly burning you or your clothes.
 Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of an emergency. Make sure
you know how to use it before an emergency occurs.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
20
Warm up to fire safety
Keeping warm and safe this winter
The cold Alberta winters mean many of us use a number of heat sources to keep our homes
comfortable and warm. These include furnaces, portable heaters and wood-burning stoves.
While these certainly keep us warm, they also create some fire risks if they aren't used properly.
Here are some tips that will keep you warm and safe:
Furnaces
 Replace and clean your furnace filter regularly (three to four times a year).
 Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a qualified technician every year.
 Ensure that combustible materials such as newspaper, cardboard, paint thinner and paint
rags are away from the furnace.
Fireplaces
 Have a service person inspect your chimney, firebox and screen once a year. Have them
cleaned when necessary.
 Avoid using the fireplace as a primary heating source; it may overheat.
 Make sure that the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the home.
 Open the damper before you start a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool to the
touch. An open damper will draw smoke up the chimney instead of allowing it to enter your
home.
 Use a screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers and sparks from escaping and
igniting carpets or other combustible materials.
Wood-burning stoves
 Use clean, well-seasoned wood that has been split and dried properly.
 Regularly remove ashes and store them in a covered metal container a safe distance from
the house. Only dispose of ashes after they are completely cool.
 Burn wood only and not wrapping paper or garbage in your wood-burning stove.
Portable electric heaters
 When purchasing a space heater, be sure to choose one that automatically shuts off if the
heater falls over.
 Space heaters need space. Keep heaters at least one metre (three feet) away from your
bed, curtains and other combustible materials.
 Avoid using an electrical heating device on the same circuit with another high wattage
appliance, such as a microwave or toaster oven.
 Regularly inspect the wall outlet and heater plug and cord for excessive heat.
 Heaters should be placed on a flat and level surface so that they do not tip over.
 Check electrical heating equipment regularly and replace loose, frayed or damaged cords.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
21
Up in smoke
Cigarette fires destroy families and ruin homes
Smoking is deadly. We’ve all heard the warnings that cigarettes can cause cancer, but there’s
another reason why smoking can be deadly - it is the cause of many fatal fires.
According to Health Canada’s website, almost five million Canadians smoke. That’s a lot of
smokers and a huge potential for smoking-related fires. Just look at Alberta’s statistics.
In Alberta homes, most smoking-related fires start in the living room, family room, den or
bedroom. Many of these fires are started by either someone falling asleep while smoking in bed
or someone dropping ashes or a cigarette on upholstered furniture. A lit cigarette butt can
smoulder and ignite furniture or bedding and it may take some time before a fire erupts. Quite
often, the fire victim is asleep and impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication. It prevents them
from waking up before they suffer fatal smoke inhalation or burns.
Whether you are a smoker or have visitors who are smokers, there are several ways to lessen
the likelihood of a smoking-related fire in your home.
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Smoke outside.
Use deep, wide ashtrays placed on a sturdy table.
Flush cigarette butts and ashes down the toilet. Do not dispose of them in a trash can,
flower pot or planter or flick them where dried grass or leaves can catch fire.
Check under furniture cushions and pillows for out-of-sight cigarettes, cigar butts or ashes.
Never smoke while handling flammable liquids such as gasoline.
Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used.
Consider smoking fire-safe cigarettes.
Avoid smoking if you are tired, under the influence of alcohol, or taking medicine or other
drugs.
Keep matches and lighters up high and out of the reach and sight of children.
Periodically check on the elderly and/or persons with disabilities who smoke and may be
less able to save themselves in the event of a fire.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
22
Don't let your dryer become a fire hazard
The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them!
Did you know that many house fires in Alberta start in the laundry dryer? Even more surprising
to many is that the leading cause of dryer fires is failure to clean them.
Here are some quick tips for preventing a fire in your dryer:
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Always use the lint filter in your dryer.
Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has
collected around the drum.
Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying
time.
Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open
when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer
than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal
service do it for you.
Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to
make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
Dryers should be properly grounded.
Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
23
Popular decoration can turn happy home into major disaster
Candles spark fire risks
The popularity of candles as a decorative addition to dinners, bathing and holiday displays has
risen. Unfortunately, house fires caused by candles have also risen.
Despite how beautiful they are, candles can be a fire hazard. Candle fires increase significantly
during the winter holiday period, especially during the month of December.
Most candle fires are caused by human error such as leaving the candle burning unattended,
burning candles too close to materials that can catch fire, or leaving candles burning within the
reach of children or pets or when falling asleep.
Some candles have design flaws that increase the risk of fire. These flaws may intensify flame
flare, heat, and cause rapid melting of the wax. One example is candles with multiple wicks that
are too close together. This can produce a single high flame or a number of large flames close
together.
The materials used in candles can also increase the risk of fire. For example, some candles
have decorations made of paper, ribbons and tree bark, all of which are very combustible.
Follow these tips to keep your home safe while using candles.
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Always use non-flammable heat resistant candle holders that will not tip over.
Place candles away from things that can burn and ensure cannot be knocked down or blown
over.
Keep burning candles away from children and pets.
Do not permit children to use candles or incense in their rooms.
If you have children in your home, store candles, matches and lighters in a locked cabinet
out of their sight and reach.
Do not burn candles to the very bottom.
Always blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Blow out candles carefully so hot wax does not splatter.
Never use lit candles on or near a Christmas tree or other evergreens.
Use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when using candles in a
decorative setting.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
24
The shocking truth
Understanding electrical fire safety
Electrical fires are more common than many people realize. They account for a significant
amount of property damage and serious injuries. Between 2005 and 2009, there were
approximately 750 home fires related to electrical wiring and distribution equipment and these
caused 11 deaths, 34 injuries and $119 million in property losses.
Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many
more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly
installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.
Without taking the proper precautions, electrical energy can be a major cause of fire in our
homes. To ensure your home is safe from electrical fires, take a moment to review the tips
below.
 Use the proper light bulbs in all lamps and light fixtures.
 Check the label inside the light fixture to determine correct light bulb wattage.
 All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by faceplates.
 Use only electrical cords that are in good working condition.
 Electrical outlets in your bathroom(s) should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI),
which protects you from a dangerous shock if water and electricity come into contact with
each other.
 Avoid tying or knotting cords.
 Make sure furniture is not sitting on electrical cords.
 Keep electrical appliances dry and away from water at all times.
 Unplug toaster ovens, coffee makers, and other small appliances after using them.
 Avoid plugging in too many appliances at once.
 Always look for the ULC or CSA mark on the label when you buy any electrical appliance
(lamps, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers).
 Call an electrician if your lights flicker or if your power goes out a lot.
 When renovating your home or hammering a nail into the wall, make sure not to damage
electrical wires hidden behind walls. Electric arcs from damaged electric wires can cause a
fire.
 Hire an electrician to carryout electrical work or repairs at home.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
25
Fire in your garage!
Chock full of clutter could be hazardous
Most homeowners use their garages as a storage area, in addition to parking their vehicles. A
typical garage will have any number of items ranging from flammable liquids such as gasoline
and paint thinner to propane tanks for the BBQ. Many people store combustible items such as
recycle bins full of paper, cardboard, and plastics, wooden or plastic items like furniture, lawn
chairs or lumber from do-it-yourself projects from years past. Other items that don’t fit in the
house anymore, but the homeowner feels sentimental and hesitates to throw out, also end up in
the garage.
Unfortunately, clutter in the garage is a fire hazard. Poorly maintained electric tools that can arc
or spark, careless smoking, children playing with fire and any open flame or a fire in a vehicle
parked inside is all that may be needed for a fire to start in the garage. Garages, especially
when adjacent to the back alley and left unlocked, are an open invitation to potential thieves,
arsonists or vandals. Many newer home garages do not have dry wall installed on the inside
walls. Dry wall provides not only a finished surface but a fire protection barrier to prevent the
wooden framework from becoming firewood.
During the five-year period between 2005 and 2009, there were 980 garage fires reported to the
Alberta Emergency Management Agency by the fire service and insurance companies. These
caused three deaths, 25 injuries and $29 million in direct property loss. The most common
causes of fire in garages are: arson (35%), exposure from adjacent fire (16%), electrical (8%),
smoking, heating equipment and flammable/combustible liquid ignition (4% each).
Here are three steps to ensure a fire-safe garage:
1. Secure your garage both inside and out. Keep area around the garage free of clutter,
garbage and any combustible items that can be set on fire. Lock the garage when not in use
and especially at night to deter potential intruders.
2. One of the top priorities of garage maintenance for fire safety is proper storage of hazardous
materials. Hazardous materials need to be stored according to instructions. Improper
storage and discarding of these materials could result in fire or cause harm to the
environment. This includes:
 Storing gasoline in a container clearly labelled by a nationally recognized laboratory
such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA).
 Practicing good housekeeping habits in keeping the garage free of potential fire
hazards, such as loose papers, chemically soiled cloths, matches, etc.
 Storing paints, thinners, and other flammable liquids in their original containers, well
away from heat, sparks, or flame.
 According to the Alberta Fire Code, for an attached garage, the storage limit is no
more than 50 L of flammable and combustible liquids of which no more than 30 L
shall be flammable liquids such as gasoline.
3. Ensure built-in fire protection features in your garage. These include, in an attached garage
to the house, a tight-fitting fire rated door that is kept closed. The inside walls and ceiling
should be covered in drywall to protect the wooden framework. It is a good idea to keep an
ABC rated ULC fire extinguisher in the garage. Make sure you know how to use it and follow
26
proper maintenance procedures. The best location to mount the fire extinguisher is by the
door.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
27
Elderly couple rudely awakened by arson fire
Unsecured back garage open invitation to an arsonist
An elderly couple was sleeping in the basement of their two storey home on a warm summer
night. Around 2 o’clock in the morning, a neighbour knocked on their door to tell them that their
back garage was on fire.
They scrambled out of their slumber and came out to investigate. To their surprise, the
detached back garage and the car parked inside were heavily involved. Flames were high,
burning the branches of a pine tree and threatening to spread to the house. The fire department
arrived soon after and doused the flames. Another car parked next to the garage was damaged
beyond repair.
Fire investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. A recent rash of arson fires had
swept the neighbourhood. Total fire damage was estimated at $65,000.
Lessons learned:
Most deliberately set fires occur at night and on weekends. Preventing such fires in and around
your home is much like preventing intruders from entering your house. In fact, improving the
security of your home and garage is the best way to discourage potential arsonists and vandals.
In this incident, an unlocked garage provided the perfect conditions for an arsonist. There was a
gasoline can available and a recycling bin with plenty of combustible items such as scrap
lumber. Consider the following points to make your home safe from an arsonist or a vandal.
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Ensure all windows and doors are locked at night and when the house is empty.
Make your home look occupied. Leave a few lights on if you go on vacation.
Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubs and other combustibles away from
buildings (house, garage, sheds).
Ensure landscaping around your yard doesn’t provide camouflage or hiding places.
Get rid of rubbish such as newspapers, landscape trimmings, and leftover paint.
Store all flammable liquids (paint thinners, gasoline) in a locked cabinet.
Dispose of flammable waste materials quickly, using approved methods of disposal.
Install good lighting around your property to keep it well-lit all night.
Ask a neighbour to keep watch over your house when you are away.
Organize a Neighbourhood Watch program to prevent arsonists and vandals.
Park your car with windows, doors and trunk locked.
Never leave the ignition key in a parked car.
Use anti-theft devices.
Report to police any suspicious individuals in your neighbourhood and cooperate with lawenforcement authorities to bring arsonists and vandals to justice.
Remember that nearly half of all arsonists are young offenders.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
(Note: This is a description of a fire based on similar fires that have happened in Alberta or elsewhere and
is not based on one specific fire incident.)
28
Candle left unattended causes house fire
Smoke alarm credited with helping man escape
A young man was alerted to a fire in his home when his smoke alarm activated. He was in an
upstairs bedroom at the time and tried to escape downstairs but there was too much smoke. He
made his way back upstairs and escaped through a window, injuring his hip when he hit the
ground.
When emergency crews arrived, they found that the fire had started in the living room on the
main level, and had spread to the newspapers on a coffee table. Fortunately, the fire burned out
limiting its damage to the coffee table.
Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was the careless use of candles.
Lessons learned:
It is important to extinguish candles before you leave the room or the home. Snuff all candles
out before going to sleep and never let the candle burn down to the bottom.
Position candles away from things that can burn. Combustible items such as newspaper, books,
curtains, upholstered furniture, clothing, Christmas trees and paper decorations can easily catch
fire if a candle falls, is knocked over or burns to the bottom. Pets and children can easily knock
candles over, causing damage and putting lives at risk. Of course, unsupervised children can
also play with candle flames and start a fire.
Fire safety experts recommend the use of battery-powered candles whenever possible,
especially when using candles in a decorative setting.
This story is an excellent reminder about why it is so important to have working smoke alarms.
They are very effective in providing an early warning about fire. Alerted by the smoke alarm in
his home, he was able to escape before the fire could have potentially spread throughout the
home.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
(Note: This is a description of a fire based on similar fires that have happened in Alberta or elsewhere and
is not based on one specific fire incident.)
29
Deep-frying and the dangers of overheated cooking oil
An elderly woman was making fried chicken when the oil in her deep fryer ignited. She suffered
burns to her face, arm, hand and foot, while trying to put the flames out by carrying the pot to
the kitchen sink. The central smoke detection system was activated in the apartment complex
where she lived, and when emergency crews arrived, residents were gathered in the lobby area.
She was sent by ambulance to the nearest hospital and spent many months recovering in the
burn treatment unit.
The firefighters found that the fire had been confined to the kitchen in one suite. The material
that first ignited was the cooking oil. They found melting damage to the microwave above the
stove and smoke damage on the ceiling. The damage was minimized by the overhead sprinkler
system that had activated and extinguished the fire.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire was overheated oil and damage was estimated to
be $20,000. Injuries were caused by panic behavior and the extremely hot oil splattering while
carrying the pot to the sink.
Lessons learned:
This is a compelling example of the way many fires occur across Alberta. Most house fires
begin in the kitchen while cooking.
It takes just a few minutes for cooking oil to reach a temperature above 200° C and catch fire.
You can choose a temperature-controlled electric skillet for frying or a deep fryer which is
factory-set to a maximum of 200° C to prevent overheating of cooking oil. If you are distracted
while cooking, turn the heat off and move the pot or pan to a safer spot on the stove before you
leave the kitchen.
In this case, the fire damage could have been much worse. The functioning smoke detection
system and sprinkler system helped ensure all residents were alerted to the fire, and that the
fire was not allowed to spread beyond the kitchen in one suite.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
(Note: This is a description of a fire based on similar fires that have happened in Alberta or elsewhere and
is not based on one specific fire incident.)
30
Smoky apartment linked to common household appliance
Defective toaster to blame
An apartment renter entered his unit after returning from work and immediately noticed smoke.
He closed the door and called for emergency help.
The fire department searched the apartment and found a burning toaster. The plastic on the
toaster had burned completely and there was damage to the countertop. The fire department
examined the plug for the toaster and it appeared to be in good condition.
Upon research into the manufacturer and model number of the toaster, it was learned that the
toaster was subject to a recall because it was prone to overheat and ignite due to an electrical
shortage.
Lessons learned:
This example is an excellent reminder for consumers to mail in product registration cards if
available and watch for product safety alerts. Even small household appliances like toasters
can have manufacturing defects. This fire may have been prevented if the owner was aware of
the product recall.
The homeowner made a good decision to call for emergency assistance. It is never a good idea
to enter a building with signs of a fire or to try to fight a fire. Calling for help ensures the
homeowner’s safety and initiated an important investigation into the cause of the fire.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
(Note: This is a description of a fire based on similar fires that have happened in Alberta or elsewhere and
is not based on one specific fire incident.)
31
Fire starts in household laundry dryer
Clothing outside dryer helps it spread
Two residents of a house smelled smoke they determined to be coming from their basement.
They rushed downstairs and found smoke coming out of a gap near the bottom of the dryer.
One resident shut off the breaker to the dryer and returned to see a flame inside the dryer. The
other resident grabbed a nearby extinguisher and emptied its contents directly at the flame with
little to no results. The fire continued to burn and extended outside the dryer, igniting the load of
clothing and other combustibles near the dryer. The fire extended up the wall to the main
subfloor of the dwelling and was extending up the stairwell when it was extinguished by fire
crews.
Investigators determined the fire was caused by dryer lint igniting. The fire spread quickly due to
the many combustible items nearby, including clothing laid and hung to dry throughout the
room.
Lessons learned:
This story is an excellent reminder to always clean the lint filter in your dryer before or after each
load of laundry. Lint can quickly ignite.








Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has
collected around the drum.
Dryer exhaust venting material should by rigid or flexible metal to sustain proper air flow and
drying time.
Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when
the dryer is operating, and in the winter, make sure it is not covered by snow.
Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes
to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to
make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, paint thinner,
or similar solvents should not be washed in a washer or dried in a clothes dryer. The
gasoline fumes can explode!
This story is also a good illustration of what can happen when combustible materials are left
close to a potential fire hazard. Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn,
like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc.
While having a fire extinguisher nearby was excellent preparation in this household, it is
important to know what kind of fire it was designed to extinguish and how to properly use it.
The bottom line: The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
(Note: This is a description of a fire based on similar fires that have happened in Alberta or elsewhere and
is not based on one specific fire incident.)
32
Careless smoking causes deck fire
Bystander saves the day
A woman was in her home when she was urgently alerted by a bystander that there was a fire
on the deck of her home. She went to the rear deck and extinguished a small fire using some
containers of water and a garden hose.
Fire investigators found that the damage had been confined to a small area of the wooden deck.
They found some significant charring to parts of the deck and discovered numerous discarded
smoker's materials under the deck where the fire originated and also on the deck itself. The
woman stated that her roommate smoked outside on the deck and had left the home earlier that
morning.
The fire was determined to be caused by carelessly discarded smoker's material and caused
approximately $1000 in damage.
Lessons learned:
In recent times, many smokers have moved outside homes or workplaces to smoke. This has
led to an increase in the number of significant fire incidents that originate outside homes in
Alberta.
Flower pots, planters, yards and decks are sometimes used by smokers as ashtrays. In these
environments, fire can smolder for a while before erupting into flames. Smokers should use
deep, wide ashtrays to dispose of butts. Flushing cigarette butts and ashes down the toilet is
safest.
This story also reminds of us the importance of looking out for one's neighbours. An early alert
by a neighbour potentially saved a great deal in property damage.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or Alberta
Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton), email
aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education/Awareness link.
(Note: This is a description of a fire based on similar fires that have happened in Alberta or elsewhere and
is not based on one specific fire incident.)
33
Did you know? Fast facts about fires in Alberta
The most complete fire incident data for the province is for the year 2009. A total of 5,227 fires
were reported to the Fire Commissioner for 2009. These fires resulted in 28 deaths, 208 injuries and
a total of $506 million in direct property losses. Here’s a summary of key facts extracted from this
data:

On average,

14 destructive fires were reported per day.

a fire related death occurred every 13 days.

one fire injury occurred every 2 days.

Based on probable causes of death, smoke inhalation accounted for 57%; burns 21%; and
other causes (21%) of all fire deaths in 2009.

The probable causes of fire injuries were, smoke inhalation (30%); burns (51%); physical
injury (13%); and other injury (7%).

The risk of fire deaths: The risk of dying in a fire can be calculated as the fire death rate - the
number of casualties in an age group divided by the population of the age group. When fire
death rates were calculated for the five-year period, 2005-2009, as rates per 100,000
population, per annum, using the above formula, it was found that:
Seniors 65 years and older had the highest risk of dying in fires followed by adults 35-49
years, adults 50-64 years, and adults 18-34 years.
Source: The 2009 Alberta Fire Commissioner’s Statistical Report can be accessed at:
http://www.aema.alberta.ca/se_statistics_reports.cfm
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
34
Did you know? Where in the homes do fires start?
Alberta Home Fires by Areas of Fire Origin
Area of Fire Origin
Fires
%
Kitchen
353
20
3
34
15,941,913
Bedroom
129
7
2
21
18,543,176
Living Room
121
7
7
19
20,526,526
Court/Patio/Terrace
104
6
0
4
9,284,738
Exterior Wall
102
6
0
1
15,058,520
Garage
70
4
0
3
6,931,156
Exterior Balcony/Porch
60
3
0
4
4,433,910
Wall-, Ceiling- and FloorAssembly
Open Area/Lawn/Field/Park
53
3
0
1
5,389,190
49
3
0
0
1,596,773
Heating Equipment Room
46
3
0
8
5,247,305
Laundry Area
44
3
0
3
3,912,284
Washroom
43
2
1
8
4,883,907
Ceiling and Roof/Ceiling SpaceAttic
Chimney/Flue Pipe/Gas Vent
40
2
0
1
5,680,780
32
2
0
0
8,017,254
All Other Areas
361
20
4
25
80,161,887
Area of Fire Origin-Unknown
119
7
2
0
14,130,315
1,726
100
19
132
219,739,634
Total
Deaths Injuries
$ Losses

Thirty- three percent of all fires in Alberta occurred in homes. Home fires accounted for 68%
of all fire deaths (19 out of 28), 64% of all fire injuries (132 out of 208) and 44% of all
property losses ($220M out of $506M) from fires.

Most Alberta home fires started in kitchens (20%), bedrooms and living rooms (7%
each), court/patio/terrace and exterior walls (6% each).

The highest percentage of deaths occurred where fires started in the living rooms (37%) and
kitchens (16%).
Source: The 2009 Alberta Fire Commissioner’s Statistical Report can be accessed at:
http://www.aema.alberta.ca/se_statistics_reports.cfm
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
35
Did you know? Major causes of home fires
Major Known Causes of Home Fires in Alberta
Fire Causes
Cooking
Arson/Set Fire
Electrical Distribution
Equipment and Light Bulbs
Smoking
Heating Equipment Related*
Exposure Fire**
Candle (accident)
Appliance/Equipment Related
Clothes Dryer
Flammable/Combustible
Liquid/Gas Ignition
Welding/Torch Too Close
Child Fire-play
Other Causes/Unknown
Total
Fires
341
240
231
%
20
14
13
Deaths
3
1
1
Injuries
33
12
7
$ Losses
13,541,925
36,908,704
67,947,200
203
157
101
45
36
27
25
12
9
6
3
2
1
1
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
27
10
1
9
3
0
9
14,590,992
20,840,400
8,043,843
6,573,035
3,657,822
364,458
1,361,176
14
13
293
1,726
1
1
17
100
0
0
7
19
2
2
17
132
1,578,201
1,202,062
43,129,816
219,739,634
*Heating equipment includes furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and associated
chimneys/vents. **An exposure fire is a fire that spreads from one property to an adjacent property.
Fire facts
PORT 2001 15
 Most home fires (20%) and most home fire injuries (25%) were related to cooking.

Heating equipment, smoking and cooking related fires caused 52% of home fire deaths.

About 25% of all cooking related fires involved the ignition of cooking oil. These fires
accounted for 42% of all cooking related fire injuries.

The highest percentage of deaths occurred where fires started in the living rooms (37%) and
kitchens (16%). Portable heater related fires accounted for 42% of fire deaths in living
rooms.

Most kitchen fires started on stove/top burners (73%), and these caused 79% of injuries in
kitchen fires.

Fifty-two percent of laundry area fires started in clothes dryers.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
36
Did you know? Fast facts about arson or set-fires
Arson fires in Alberta

Nearly one in every four fires in Alberta is deliberately set.

From 2005 - 2009, there were 6,421 deliberately set incendiary fires, 17 deaths and 119
injuries. Property losses were $267,156,463.

Deliberately set incendiary fires accounted for 24 per cent of all fires, 11 per cent of all fire
deaths, 10 per cent of all fire injuries and 14 per cent of all property losses in fires reported
for the province by the fire service and insurance industry.
Sites of arson or set-fires

Not all properties are targeted equally in deliberate fires.

The properties most vulnerable to deliberate fire setting are cars, trucks, and buses.

Trash and recyclable containers kept outdoors are the second most frequent target of
arsonists and vandals.

One and two family dwellings and associated garages are the next commonly targeted
property classes.

A range of unoccupied outdoor properties are also vulnerable to set fires. Other noteworthy
properties include apartments, schools (mostly high schools) and buildings under
construction.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
37
Fire prevention resources in Alberta
AEMA offers a variety of tools for fire safety educators
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency offers a one-stop shop for many of the most
popular fire prevention education tools.
Starting with the AEMA website at www.aema.alberta.ca, educators can access a multitude of
educational tools by clicking on the Public Education and Awareness tab at the top.
There, visitors can access campaigns, which include tool kits on various topics that contain
ready-to-use articles and statistics, teaching resources, which include education programs such
as Risk Watch and Getting to Know Fire as well as juvenile fire setter intervention programs.
The teaching resources section also includes information for borrowing display tools such as
display units, hazard houses, and Sparky the dog costumes. In the fafety/fact tip sheets
section, visitors can access a multitude of short fact sheets on fire prevention, fire safety and
emergency preparedness topics.
The AEMA also offers a variety of fire statistics in the programs and services tab. By clicking on
publications and then statistics reports, visitors can access annual fire reports as well as reports
on special issues.
For more information on fire safety in Alberta, contact your municipality’s fire or emergency service or
Alberta Emergency Management Agency at 780-422-9000 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside
Edmonton), email aema@gov.ab.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca and click on the Public Education &
Awareness tab.
38