Sept. 28 marks Ontario’s second annual “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day”.
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) first put the day in place following the report of 133 fire-related deaths in Ontario in 2022 – the deadliest year in over two decades.
In 2023, the province suffered 123 fire-related deaths, 10 less than 2022, but the number of fatal fires increased to 111.
“A residential fire can break out even in the most fire-cautious homes. Being prepared for the event of a fire must include a working smoke alarm and a well practiced home fire escape plan,” said Fire Marshal Jon Pegg in a media release. “If you’re not doing so already, press the test button and start your monthly testing today.”
According to the OFM, most fatal fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The Office urges homeowners to test their smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries once per year. The full lifespan of a smoke alarm is about 10 years.
Smoke alarms have been legally required to be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas since 2006 in the province.