HRC Insurance Blog

Fire Prevention & Education

Camp Fires

With the high danger rating for open flame fires, there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed. Extreme caution must be taken:

• Absolutely NO daytime burning

• Small fires are permitted in rural areas

• Max fire pit size is two feet by two feet

• Avoid having a fire when it’s windy

• Either use a dedicated fire pit (hand made, metal pit, etc.) or have the fire on rock/sand surface

• Keep fire clear of flammable objects (chairs, trees, camping gear, etc.)

• Always use paper or kindling over flammable liquids to start a fire

• Never leave the fire unattended

• Keep water source nearby at all times

• Extinguish fire fully before leaving

Fireworks

No matter how much fun Fireworks can be, there are also specific rules and regulations that must be followed. During a high/extreme fire rating there is a TOTAL BAN on use of fireworks. This means that until the rating decreases, fireworks are not permitted in the Muskoka area. For future reference though, here are some tips to help you with firework safety:

• Always purchase from a reliable source

• Follow the directions on the label

• If too windy, don’t risk it

• Always use in an open location clear of trees and structures

• Place fireworks in bucket of sand when lighting

• Keep unused fireworks in a closed container and away from any flames

• Spectators should be at least 10-15 meters away

• The firework operator must be 18 years or older

• A bucket of water should always be kept near where the fire works are being lit

• After firework is finished, submerge in water and dispose of it

• Only use one firework at a time

•  wear eye/hand protection

• NEVER hold a firework and light it

Home & Cottage:

Besides planned fires and fireworks, there is also the risk of house fires. 8% of annual loss fires occur in August. Of this there was an average of 33 injuries and an average of 4 fatalities in Ontario alone. One in three fatal fires in Canada did not have a working fire alarm in their home.  Main causes of fires involve:

1. Leaving candles unattended

2. Cooking/cooking oils igniting clothing

3. Smoking materials

Prevention

The risk of a home or cottage fire is always apparent, however, there are many steps you can take to decrease the chances and ensure your safety.

• IT IS THE LAW to have smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside of all sleeping areas

• Must have Carbon Monoxide detectors outside all sleeping areas (recommended to have an alarm near fuel burning areas)

• Avoid using candles during a power outage (use flashlights and glow sticks as alternatives)

• When using candles, DO NOT leave unattended

• Store propane tanks outside

• Make sure that your emergency address number is clearly visible from roadways

• IN CASE OF FIRE:

  • Call 911 Immediately

  • Evacuate building fast (do not put yourself in harms way)

  • Prepare an escape plan with your family incase of emergency

For more information, follow these links!

http://www.bracebridge.ca/en/town-services/Fire-Prevention-and-Education.aspx

https://www.sgicanada.ca/mb/individuals/risk/preventiontips/preventfires.html

https://muskokalakes.civicweb.net/document/90341/2016-092 fireworks.pdf?handle=4DA6E0DFFF2D4AAD9C7AAB409A8DA2D0

https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on15

http://muskoka411.com/start/whats-the-fire-risk-in-august-safety-tips-from-gravenhurst-fire-department/

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