With people likely to let their guard down over the holiday season, Ontario’s fire marshal has launched the second annual 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety Campaign.
The campaign is aimed at preventing fire and carbon monoxide tragedies.
“Fire tragedies are in decline for 2012 in this province — 25 fewer deaths so far this year — but the holiday season can bring distractions that lead to tragedy,” said Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
He is calling on fire departments and communities across Ontario to make this “the most fire-safe December on record.” Windsor Fire and Rescue has answered the call.
“While fire can happen anywhere, at anytime, it most often strikes when people let their guard down—when individuals are distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, by the telephone, by the kids or by the doorbell,” said Windsor Fire Chief Bruce Montone. “All it takes is for a pot to be left on the stove, or a candle to be left burning unattended, and a family’s holiday celebrations can turn to tragedy.”
Montone and the fire safety council are urging renters and homeowners to follow their 12 holiday fire safety tips.
“Our team of investigators knows all too well the deadly consequences of fire safety fundamentals left unattended,” said Wieclawek. “Our 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign focuses on the 12 tips that we know can have the biggest impact on reducing devastating fires and carbon monoxide exposures.”