Fire Prevention and Safety
The County of Brant Fire Prevention team offers information and resources to help you and your family take fire prevention and safety into your own hands.
On this page:
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas. CO can be emitted from devices that burn energy like furnaces, heaters, fireplaces, gas-powered vehicles and stoves. When you inhale CO, it can cause flu-like symptoms, and at high concentrations, brain damage and death.
To prevent toxic carbon monoxide levels inside your home:
- Install carbon monoxide alarms to monitor the concentration of CO in the air
- Watch for CO exposure symptoms
- Smell for sharp, penetrating odours or smell of gas when fuel-burning equipment turns on
- Make sure pilot light of fuel-burning equipment remains on
- Watch for chalky, white power on the chimney/exhaust vent pipe or soot build-up
For more information about keeping your home safe from CO, read the Carbon Monoxide Safety Brochure (PDF) from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, and the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are an essential safety tool designed to control or put out small fires before they spread. They come in different classes based on the type of fire—such as ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, or cooking oils. It’s important to ensure extinguishers are easily accessible, regularly inspected, and that users are familiar with the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Having a working fire extinguisher on hand can save property—and lives.
The County of Brant Fire Department is pleased to offer Fire Extinguisher Training Courses for workplaces. These sessions provide hands-on instruction to ensure staff are prepared to respond safely and effectively in the event of a fire.
For more information, please visit Fire Extinguisher Training webpage.
Smoke Alarms
You are legally required to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas according to the Ontario Fire Code. This applies to all owner-occupied or rented single-family, semi-detached and town homes.
- Homeowners and landlords may have to purchase additional smoke alarms to comply with this law
- Rental tenants should contact their landlord if they do not have the required number of smoke alarms. Tenants cannot remove batteries or tamper with alarms in any way
- Mobile homes, recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers must have working smoke alarms
- As a homeowner, tenant or landlord, non-compliance with the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine up to $50,000
Barn Fire Prevention
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs webpage for more information on:
- Main causes of barn fires
- How to prevent
- New technologies
- Resources