Hunting fire safety

The Ontario Fire Code requires smoke alarms be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of all homes in Ontario.

It also requires carbon monoxide alarms be installed on every storey and next to every sleeping area in homes with a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage or that are served by a forced-air fuel burning appliance not contained within the building.

This includes seasonal homes, such as:

• park model trailers
• cabins and cottages
• camps
• trailer homes
• motor homes
• other recreational vehicles

In addition to working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, anglers and hunters are encouraged to thoroughly check and clean all heating appliances at their seasonal home before using them. This includes:

• woodstoves
• chimneys
• propane heaters
• kerosene heaters
• naphtha stoves
• lanterns

Chimneys also need to be inspected for any damage or obstructions prior to use and cleaned if deposits of creosote are present. Ensure a qualified technician inspects chimneys, vents and all heating appliances annually.

Portable and kerosene heaters

Never use kerosene, propane, or other fuel-fired portable heaters inside the home. They produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Fuel and refuelling

• Use the correct fuel: only use the grade of kerosene or fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater, as it increases the risk of fire or explosion.
• Cool before refueling: always turn the heater off and let it cool completely before adding fuel.
• Refuel outdoors: fill the tank outside away from combustible materials.
• Do not overfill: fuel may expand and leak during operation which can cause a fire.
• Store fuel safely: keep fuel in approved containers outside the home. Protect containers from heat sources and snow or ice accumulations.
• Check for certification: use a heater with a recognized Canadian certification mark from a qualified safety testing laboratory, including ETL, ULC, or CSA.

Ventilation

• Ensure fresh air: always maintain an adequate supply of fresh outside air when using fuel-fired heaters. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper ventilation.

Electric space heaters

• Check for certification: use a heater with a recognized Canadian certification mark from a qualified safety testing laboratory, including ETL, ULC, or CSA.
• Maintain clearance: keep heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from anything that can burn, including furniture, curtains, bedding and people.
• Keep paths clear: place heaters in low-traffic areas where they will not be bumped. Ensure they do not block doorways or halls.
• Supervise children: surface temperatures can reach 260°C (500°F). Keep children away to prevent burns.
• Never leave unattended: do not leave heaters burning overnight or while sleeping.

Wood heat safety

Proper maintenance of woodstoves and fireplaces reduces the risk of excessive creosote build-up and chimney fires.

• Installation and maintenance of woodstoves: the Ontario Fire Code requires solid-fuel burning appliances, such as woodstoves, to be installed and maintained in accordance with CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment”.
• Burn seasoned wood: only burn dry, well-seasoned wood.
• Store wood properly: stack wood outdoors in an open area or shed away from the house to allow for airflow.
• Clean chimneys often: regularly check chimneys and flue pipes for creosote and soot. Ensure chimneys are inspected annually by a qualified technician.
• Maintain chimney caps: use a proper chimney cap to protect against rain or snow. Inspect spark screens regularly to ensure smoke can vent properly.
• Keep clearance: maintain a safe distance between combustible materials and your woodstove or fireplace.
• Use screens: always use a properly fitting fireplace screen to contain sparks and embers.
• Dispose of ashes safely: allow ashes to cool completely before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.