Ontario’s 2023 Fire Statistics: The 3 Most Important Numbers
A few weeks ago, The Ontario Fire Marshal released 2023’s fire statistics. Looking over the data, three crucial numbers definitely jumped out at us.
It’s certainly a good-news-bad-news situation. While it’s obviously an important step forward to have fewer fire-related deaths, the other two stats show us that there is still important work to be done to keep Ontario safe.
The Story Behind the Numbers
With 121 fire-related deaths in Ontario, that basically means we saw a fire-related death every 3 days. Yes, we were down from the previous year, but we need to remember that 2022’s 133 deaths represented the highest number Ontario had ever seen.
It’s also important to remember that we saw a spike in 2020 due to shifting lifestyles and the COVID-19 lockdown. Ontario has yet to climb back down to pre-COVID numbers, which fluctuated between 72 and 104 fire-related deaths per year between the years 2010 to 2018.
We have the number of deaths trending in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. This is evidenced by the fatal fire incidents being up from last year, as well as the increase in high-rise fires.
What Can Be Done?
Ontario has taken big steps forward to creating safer buildings in recent years.?
Life safety systems have never been more advanced and complex, but an increased focus on integrated testing in new and retro-fitted buildings (The ULC-S1001 Integrated Testing Standard) is making sure that new buildings and additions are starting on the right foot. Elsewhere, an increased focus on quarterly testing (Part 7 of the Ontario Fire Code) is enabling condo managers, owners, and boards to operate safer buildings. The fire department is certainly doing their part with a greater focus on building inspections and public education.?
But what is the most effective thing we can do to bring fire numbers down across the board? It’s simple: Focus on smoke alarms.
We have said it many times before. Ontario’s Fire Marshal Jon Pegg said it following 3 fires in Guelph that tragically took 3 lives. There is nothing more critical to fire safety than having a functional smoke alarm in your home. Ontario’s Deputy Fire Marshal Nancy Macdonald-Duncan recently reminded us that, “The majority of fatal fires we investigated between 2012 and 2021 had no working smoke alarms or no evidence of any smoke alarms.”?
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New technology and new codes/laws can definitely help, but the simplest thing we can all do remains the most impactful.
What Else Can Condo Building Owners, Managers, and Boards Do?
We all need to be concerned that the number of high-rise fires has increased.
On a very simple level, we highly recommend that you hold fire drills with your residents on a regular basis. You are required by law to hold them with your staff, but you’re not legally required to do so with your residents. However, we cannot recommend it enough.
Of course, this gets your residents thinking about and rehearsing the steps they need to take in emergency situations. It reminds them that they can’t use an elevator during a fire and gets them thinking about the best escape route from the various parts of their suite.
However, the most underrated aspect of holding regular fire drills is it encourages fire safety conversations between you and your residents. You can send an e-blast or newsletter ahead of the fire drill to let them know it’s happening and remind them of the designated safe meeting place outside. After the drill, send another communication to thank them for participating. Use this as an opportunity to remind them to check their smoke alarms.
Make fire safety a regular part of your newsletters to your residents. Use seasonal trends to give them important tips/reminders, such as BBQ safety in the summer or space heaters and Christmas trees over the winter months.
If you’re not sure where to start, or you worry about how much time it could take to prepare these things, don’t stress. There are lots of free templates available that you can download by clicking here.
Let Us Help You Make Your Building Safer
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FCS has the depth of knowledge and experience with fire safety in HUNDREDS of buildings, which means we can help with all aspects of your fire safety culture and fire code compliance.?
Want to know more? Feel free to contact us at 1(800) 281-8863 or by clicking here.