Northern fire chiefs respond to Ontario's deadliest year for fires in decades
On Tuesday, Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg revealed 2022 was the deadliest year for fire-related deaths in Ontario in more than two decades.
“In 2022, we had 133 fire-related deaths, including tragic loss of young children and families in several communities across our province,” Pegg said.
“That is the highest total in more than 20 years in Ontario.”
"The number always concerns us. We've seen in the last three years, a huge increase in fire deaths in the province. 133 that's a new record," said North Bay Fire Chief Jason Whiteley.
"We are part of that statistic, unfortunately, and tragically, we had five fire deaths in our community in 2022," said Greater Sudbury Fire Chief Jesse Oshell.
In response, fire chiefs in the region are reminding residents how important working fire alarms are.
Fire officials told CTV News that while most people know they need smoke alarms in their homes, it's important to check that they are working.
"(People) will have a smoke alarm in their place, but they won't check it, won't check the battery,” Whiteley said.
“There are new smoke alarm systems that have a 10-year battery, but you still need to check them, they still wear out and you need to have them on every floor."
Whiteley said many people are unaware that fire departments are called to twice as many fires in the winter months compared to the summer.
“Between November and March, there's more fires in those months compared to what we see in the summer,” he said.
There are many different reasons that contribute to the winter increase, officials said, including unsafe holiday practices and that during the colder months there are certain things that are more prone to starting fires.
“Portable heating devices, electric heaters, using fireplaces more, our furnaces are kicking in more and more. We see careless fires related to those heating appliances used inappropriately," said Oshell
Both Whiteley and Oshell said it's also important to regularly check carbon monoxide detectors in your home as those are another common call received by fire service in the winter months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.