Fire Prevention and Safety

On this page:

• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Carbon Monoxide
• Smoke Alarms
• Barn Fire Prevention

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.

Fire Extinguisher Training

The Fire Department offers fire extinguisher training for staff at any organization. We show you how to use and store fire extinguishers. To learn about our training services and organize a session, contact the Fire Prevention Division.

Review The Facts of Fire Extinguishers safety brochure (PDF).

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.

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