Statement from Kevin Foster, President Ontario Association Of Fire Chiefs

AJAX, ON, April 4, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew the four members of the Dunsmuir family who perished in last week's tragic fire in East Gwillimbury.

In addition, the OAFC wants to recognize all first responders who attended the scene, including East Gwillimbury Emergency Services, York Region Police and York Region EMS.

The OAFC echoes the words of Ontario Fire Marshal Tadeusz (Ted) Wieclawek, who said Wednesday that this tragedy reinforces the importance of early detection of a fire in a home and the need for families to develop and practice fire-safety escape plans.

The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs reminds all Ontarians that it is the law for all homes to have a working smoke alarm on every floor and outside all sleeping areas. Only a working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound to alert residents. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and residents should ensure that all alarms have a battery backup. Batteries should be replaced every six months. When you change your clocks in the spring and fall, change the batteries in your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms do wear out, so if your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them with new ones.

Make sure your family has an up-to-date home fire safety and escape plan. Have at least two escape routes out of every room and practice your fire-escape plan regularly.  Fire, heat, poisonous fumes and toxic smoke may mean you have just seconds to act.  Remember, fire prevention is the best way to fight a fire.

Information on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, home escape plans and other general fire safety information is available on our website www.oafc.on.ca, or contact your local fire department.

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs

For further information:

Kevin R. Foster
President, OAFC
Director of Fire Services (Fire Chief) and Emergency Management Town of Midland
[phone]
[e-mail]