Fire Safety and Public Education

We offer a 1.5 to 2 hour workplace fire extinguisher training to teach your staff how to use a fire extinguisher safely.

The training includes:

• identifying classes of fire
• selecting an extinguisher
• extinguisher classifications and ratings
• proper use of portable extinguisher
• maintenance
• inspection as described by the Ontario Fire Code
• use and safety considerations

The Getting to Know Fire program offers introductory safety courses for all ages. We provide adult and seniors programs and we visit local schools to give suitable fire safety training for every age group.

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in Canada. This program teaches teens:

• cooking safety techniques
• leading causes of cooking-related fires
• important information about smoke and CO alarms
• how to create a home escape plan

Orangeville Fire and local mental health professionals offer The Arson Prevention Program for Children. This program includes confidential counselling, if desired. Children at play set many fires accidentally and this program focuses on fire safety and prevention.

Review the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for barn fire prevention tips.

Here are some indoor fire safety tips:

• place a portable fire extinguisher at each exit
• inspect fire extinguishers monthly
• do not allow smoking near barns or any flammable farm materials
• keep animal bedding and hay in another building if possible. Ensure hay and straw are properly dried before storing
• remove cobwebs and debris on a regular basis and ensure loose hay/straw is swept up and disposed of
• keep a halter and lead near every stall door for horses. Better yet, install exterior doors for each stall
• hold fire drills. Practice will get horses used to being led out of the barn quickly and they will be less likely to balk in a real fire emergency
• regularly check all appliances, wiring, electrical and heat-producing equipment to ensure everything is in good working order
• repair/replace any frayed or damaged wiring
• only use extension cords temporarily
• store hazardous products like herbicides and fertilizers in dry, well-ventilated areas, according to manufacturer's recommendations and applicable regulations

Here are some outdoor fire safety tips:

• situate manure piles at least 10 metres away from barns to reduce the chance of combustion
• make sure your emergency address is posted and clearly visible
• always have a clear path for emergency services to access your barn
• keep weeds, brush and debris cleared away from your barn
• never re-fuel engines inside the barn or while the engine is running or hot
• apply for a burn permit before having an outdoor fire
• install and maintain lightning rods and grounding cables on barns and silos to give lightning a direct path to follow to ground

The top causes of barn fires include:

• unprotected wiring
• deteriorated electrical breakers, fuse panels and loose connections
• use of extension cords and power bars instead of properly installed permanent wiring
• improperly placed portable heaters, fans and lighting used for heating