FAQs

Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) presented to the Leamington Fire Services:

Q. How often should I check my smoke detectors?
A. Smoke detectors should be checked monthly. For more information on smoke detectors, please refer to our public education page.

Do I need to clean my smoke detector?
Smoke detectors should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner. NOTE: The detector may sound when you are cleaning it.

 Do my smoke detectors ever need to be replaced?
 Smoke detectors have a normal life expectancy of 10 years. If you are getting false alarms from your detector, it may need to be replaced. When having problems with your detector, always remember to check the battery.

My smoke detector light is ”glowing”, do I still need to test it?
 Electric smoke detectors still need to be tested monthly. Testing the smoke detector can be a great time for your family to test your fire escape plan!

Should I clean the chimney in my wood-burning fireplace or wood stove to help prevent chimney fires?
Yes, at least once a year. Professional chimney sweeps advise that chimneys be cleaned when the creosote has built up to 1/8" to 1/4". This will help prevent chimney fires. REMEMBER: The fireplace or wood stove is not an incinerator. Do not burn trash or large amounts of paper (especially gift-wrap). The temperatures this can produce can damage your fireplace or chimney.

 When I clean the ash from my fireplace, is it necessary to put them in a metal container?
 YES!  Ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to seven days. To be safe: place your ashes in a metal container and leave them outside until you know they are cold (at least seven days or you drown ashes with water and leave overnight).

When doing home refinishing projects, how should I dispose of rags used for staining?
 Some stains are capable of creating enough heat to start a fire as they dry (check the label). This is commonly known as spontaneous combustion. Rags should be laid flat or hung to air dry. They can then be disposed of when completely dry and only in outside refuse containers.

 What is the best way to display my address numbers?
 Address numbers are very important to emergency responders. Having address numbers visible is not only required, but will help emergency personnel (fire, ambulance, or police) find your house. The numbers should be reflective or a colour that contrasts with the house. They should be near a light to help make them visible. Don't place them on the garage door as the door may be raised when the numbers are needed. You should check that the numbers are visible from the street.

When can electric extension cords replace permanent wiring?
 Extension cords may only be used with portable appliances. They may not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

 What appliances can produce carbon monoxide (CO) and how often should they be checked?
 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be produced by improperly operating fuel-burning appliances (natural gas, LP gas, fuel oil, kerosene, wood). CO can be deadly! All fuel burning appliances (such as furnaces and water heaters) should be serviced yearly. Every dwelling unit should have a carbon monoxide detector. For more information on carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide detectors, please go to our public education page.

Does the Fire Department get cats (or other pets) out of trees?
No, they do not. You might contact the Humane Society at 966-5751 for assistance.

Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools for residents?
No, they do not. The pool owner is responsible for filling their swimming pool.

Does the Fire Department fill air cylinders for breathing apparatus?
No. We only fill air cylinders for ourselves and other Municipality of Leamington departments.

Does the Fire Department repair breathing apparatus?
We do not repair or test breathing apparatus for anyone other than ourselves and other Municipality of Leamington Departments.

Does the Fire Department loan fire hose for private use?
No. Fire hose is emergency equipment and each one has an identification number.  The history of the hose is maintained from the time of purchase until the time it no longer meets the “in-service” requirements, at which time it is disposed of.

The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?
Fire codes are updated regularly. Some of the things that cause changes in these codes may be a newer type of construction, a new construction method or maybe an event that occurred where people were injured. Whatever the reason, when the codes are updated, it is necessary to inspect your facility under the most current code. This may result in a change from the previous year in your inspection.

When I need an inspection, whom do I call?
Call the Fire Prevention Division- 326-6291ext. 238 to arrange a time for a Fire Inspector to come out and inspect.

What is Retrofit?

Retrofit legislation, as described in part 9 of the Ontario Fire code addresses the upgrade of existing buildings.  Under part 9, alteration may require some construction, renovations or additions.  A building permit may be required for some of this work.  The buildings concerned include: assembly occupancies, rooming houses, health-care facilities, and multi-unit residential buildings.  Residential buildings with two dwelling units must also meet the retrofit safety regulations.  They must have: an electrical inspection by and subsequent approval from the Electrical Safety Authority, smoke alarms, fire separations and adequate exits.

My building has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
If you own the building, you are required to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code. If there is a system in your building it must be in operational condition at all times. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a sprinkler head. Each sprinkler head is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the sprinkler head from doing it’s job. Also, never hang anything from a sprinkler head or piping..

On TV, when a sprinkler head begins to spray water, they all do. Is this how my sprinklers will work?
No, most sprinkler systems with a few exceptions, (and those are found only in heavy industry situations), are designed to activate only where the fire is. The heat from the fire activates the sprinkler head closest too it. If the fire is large enough it may activate more than one head in the area but it will not activate every head on an entire floor.

My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
If you own the building, you are responsible to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view. Also, it would help if someone who is likely to be in the building on a daily basis knows where the alarm panel is located. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a detector surface. Each detector is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the detector from doing it’s job. Also, never hang anything from a detector.

Our alarm system keeps having false alarms. The alarm goes off but no fire is found. Can’t we do something about this?
Fire alarms seldom malfunction. Usually, if they are sounding, there is a reason. Sensing devices may need cleaning or replacement. Other reasons causing alarm activation may be as simple as a bag of popcorn that overcooked in a microwave, a co-worker smoking in an area where they shouldn’t be, or dust from re-modeling. In all of cases, even though big flames were not shooting from the building and hoses were not needed to put the fire out, the system was doing its job of alerting everyone in the building to a possible danger of a fire. If your system activates, immediately leave the building and do not re-enter until the proper authority investigated the alarm and gives the all clear to enter the building. Take every fire alarm seriously, follow your established evacuation plan, leave the building until someone of authority (building maintenance, security, the fire department, etc.) tell you it is safe to return.

I have a smoke detector in my house that is making a sound but there is no fire. What makes it do this?
First you need to know if it is battery operated, electric or electric with a battery back up. If it is battery operated it is probably making a chirping sound which more than likely means it needs a new battery. If it is electric, there may be a problem with its power supply or possibly the smoke detector is too old. The average life of a smoke detector is 10 years. If it is electric with a battery back up it could be any of the above problems. Another thing you may try is giving it a good cleaning with the vacuum. Sometimes dust gets in them. All smoke detectors should be cleaned and checked once a month. For more information on smoke detectors contact Leamington Fire Services at 326-6291 ext. 245.

I’ve heard quite a lot about carbon monoxide. Could I have this in my house and do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
There are many things that give off carbon monoxide. They include gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters and stoves. Fuel burning space heaters and wood burning fireplaces can give off carbon monoxide. Even warming up your car or barbecuing in your garage can fill your house with carbon monoxide. The problem is that it is an odourless, colourless gas so until you begin to see symptoms, you don know it’s there. People experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning feel like they have a flue that came on suddenly. This also affects small pets and even plants. Carbon monoxide detectors will sense excessive levels of the gas early and warn you to leave. If your family is having symptoms or your detector is sounding an alarm, call 9-1-1 and the fire department will respond. We can take readings and provide medical help. Sometimes we can shut off the source of the problem but you will need to call out a technician to check the appliance and make repairs. For more information on carbon monoxide and detectors, contact the Leamington Fire Services at 326-6291.

Can I burn brush or yard waste in Leamington?
No. There is no open air burning in the province of Ontario.   Please see the municipality’s burn policy.

Where can I get my fire extinguisher serviced?
Look in the telephone book yellow pages under “Fire Extinguishers” for a listing.

What can I do about my child who is setting fires?
We offer an education and support program (TAPP-C ) for youth fire setters and their parents. For more information contact Leamington Fire Services at 326-6291 ext 245.

I don’t think the fire lanes around our building are marked correctly. How can I find out?
Contact Fire Prevention at 326-6291 ext. 238 and we will make an appointment to inspect your building to make sure.

If during an inspection a violation is found how long do I have to fix it?
For a routine (non-life threatening) violation we usually grant 10 business days for correction. If a life threatening violation is found we require it to be corrected immediately. If a violation cannot be corrected in the amount of time given then we will work with the owner/occupant to ensure compliance as quickly as possible.

What kind of fire extinguisher should I have?

We recommend an ABC "dry chemical" type for home use, generally size 2A-10BC, commonly referred to as a 5 lb unit.

Where can I buy a fire extinguisher?

Refer to the Yellow Pages. Most hardware outlets and extinguisher-servicing companies have extinguishers for sale, which are suitable for home use.

I just bought a 3A10BC fire extinguisher. What does "3A10BC" mean?

Your extinguisher is multi-purpose and is good for any fire likely to occur in the average home or office.

The letter refers to the nature of the flammable material. Class A fire extinguishers are effective for ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and straw. Class B fire extinguishers are for flammable or combustible liquids such as oil, gas, paint, thinners and grease. The extinguishers have to suffocate the fire, inhibit the release of combustible vapours, and interrupt the combustion chain reaction.

The first number in the sequence identifies the amount of fire-extinguishing potential on Class A fires. For example, a 4-A extinguisher will put out approximately twice as much fire as a 2-A extinguisher. The number before the 'B' indicates the relative fire extinguishing potential and approximates the square footage of deep-layer flammable liquid fire which the average trained operator can extinguish using that particular extinguisher.

The Class C rating has no number and indicates that the extinguishing agent does not conduct electricity. A Class C extinguisher is required for fires involving energized electrical wiring and equipment or appliances. Electrical equipment should be de-energized before attacking a Class C fire.

There is also a Class D rating. These are specialized extinguishers used to extinguish fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium and zirconium.

Where should I store my extinguisher?

Store your extinguisher away from the stove, near the kitchen entrance. Mount the extinguisher on the bracket that comes with it.

In your workshop or tool shed, mount the extinguisher away from power tools, near the exit.

How often should I have my fire extinguisher recharged?

Recharge it after each use, or if the gauge shows a loss of pressure. Dry-chemical extinguishers have to be hydrostatically tested and recharged every six years.

Multi-residential and commercial extinguishers require annual inspections.  Residential extinguishers we recommend every 3 years.

Are the contents of a dry-chemical extinguisher toxic?

No. Dry-chemical extinguishers are usually filled with mono-ammonium phosphate, a non-toxic substance. Large amounts of this powder, however, can cause breathing difficulties. If someone has recently used a dry-chemical fire extinguisher, leave the area and call the Fire Service (9-1-1) to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.

How do I use a fire extinguisher?

Please see the instructions in the Public Education section of this site.

CALL THE FIRE SERVICE IMMEDIATELY! (9-1-1)

Extinguishers can be discharged very quickly - you can empty your container in seconds. Remember:

• Ensure that someone has called the Fire Service (9-1-1).
• Never endanger yourself or others in trying to extinguish a fire.
• If a small fire cannot be extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher, or if the smoke becomes a major problem, leave the area. Close the door to the area to confine the fire. Leave the building and wait outside for the Fire Service.