Fire safety tips for the Holiday season

The Office of Fire Marshal says that statistically, the Holiday season is the deadliest in terms of fatal residential fires.

"People are staying indoors, a lot more colder temperatures, and inviting family and friends over," said John McBeth, acting Ontario Fire Marshal.

"Roughly, November to January, we saw 41 residential fatal fires, which resulted in 43 deaths this year. As of the end of November, we're sitting at 93 fatal fires with 104 fatalities."

The fire marshal is running its 'Twelve Days of Holiday Fire Safety Campaign,' with a different theme featured each day. Topics include Holiday lights, tree watering, cooking, extension cords and smoke alarms.

"We've got tips that range from the proper use of extension cords with decorating happening in the home these days to heating sources, making sure that the heating sources that you have in your home are properly maintained," McBeth said.

"If you've got any space heaters or portable heaters that they are the proper distance away from combustibles so that they are operating properly, but again, not likely to allow anything in its vicinity to catch on fire."

He said careless smoking and unattended cooking are the two leading causes of fire.

"Make sure you're either smoking outdoors or you're extinguishing those cigarettes in deep ashtrays to make sure that they are properly out," McBeth said.

The Office of Fire Marshal says that statistically, the Holiday season is the deadliest in terms of fatal residential fires. (Photo from video)

"With cooking, again, it's making sure that you're alert in the kitchen. It's easy to get distracted when the phone rings (or) somebody comes to the door. Make sure that you're not leaving that stove unattended."

This year's campaign was developed in partnership with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council, the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officer's Association, and the Ontario Association of Fire Educators.

Greater Sudbury Fire Services deputy chief Jesse Oshell said there are a number of potential hazards to keep in mind.

"Drink responsibly, cook responsibly," Oshell said.

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"Be present in the kitchen when you are hosting that Holiday dinner. And be very mindful of smoking products, candles, open flames."

He said that they don't usually see a spike in calls during the Christmas period. He said many in the community are adhering to fire safety tips.

"Inevitably every year we do have one or two emergency incidents and fires where close to the Holidays, individuals do lose a lot of property,” Oshell said.

"It’s always very, very important to exercise caution."

McBeth said smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries replaced once a year, with the systems replaced every 10 years.