All Ontarians Urged to Test their Smoke Alarms on September 28, Ontario's Fourth Annual "Test Your Smoke Alarm Day"

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- As the province prepares to mark the fourth annual "Test Your Smoke Alarm Day", the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is once again urging Ontarians to protect their families from fire by testing the smoke alarms in their homes on September 28 and every month thereafter.

Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, "Saved by the Beep" Campaign

Ontario continues to see an increasing trend in residential fatal fires and fire deaths. In 2025, the province suffered 127 fire deaths as a result of 112 fatal fires. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented if a working smoke alarm had been present. To date, Ontario has recorded 77 fire fatalities in 2026.

"Working smoke alarms save lives, period," said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. "You might have less than 60 seconds to safely escape once your smoke alarm sounds. Now imagine if you didn't hear a beep at all? Being prepared in a fire emergency means having working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas, as well as a practiced home fire escape plan."

This year's day of action marks the return of the "Saved by the Beep" campaign, with a focus on young adults and students living on their own for the first time. With the assistance of fire departments across Ontario, the OFM is providing tools and information to help people make fire-safe decisions and educate new renters about the fire safety responsibilities and obligations of both tenants and landlords.

"Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is a simple reminder that can make a life-saving difference," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "As students settle into a new school year and many young adults move into a home of their own for the first time, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes on September 28 to test their smoke alarms, learn their fire safety responsibilities and make sure they have a home fire escape plan. Together, we can help prevent tragedies and keep families and communities safe."

For more information, visit the campaign website at SavedByTheBeep.ca for downloadable resources, fire safety information, and instructions on how to sign up for monthly reminders to test your smoke alarms and help keep your home safe.

Quick Facts: 

• Most fatal fires occur in homes that do not have working smoke alarms. 
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be changed at least once a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years of use. 
• By law, a working smoke alarm must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas in every home in Ontario. 

SOURCE Office of the Fire Marshal

MEDIA CONTACTS: Office of the Fire Marshal, [email protected]