Burlington Fire Dept. reminds residents of upcoming Ontario Fire Code changes

New Ontario Fire Code requirements coming into effect next year for all homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages will require a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on every floor.

In a release, the Burlington Fire Department is warning residents that on Jan. 1, all homes must have CO alarms on every level and near all sleeping areas.

The release says the update to the Ontario Fire Code aims to protect families from the dangers of carbon monoxide — a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if undetected.

The new Ontario Fire Code requirements apply to homes that have a fuel-burning appliance which include a furnace, water heater, gas stove, or wood stove; a fireplace; an attached garage; or heated air supplied by a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home.

Examples include an outdoor wood furnace (wood boiler), a pellet stove in a detached utility building, propane or natural gas furnace in an outbuilding, or external boiler system connected to home heating.

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According to the Ontario Fire Code, CO alarms must be installed near every sleeping area, and on every storey of the home, including floors without bedrooms.

This applies to detached homes, townhouses and row houses.

Burlington Fire Chief Karen Roche says CO poisoning is preventable with a working alarm.

“Properly installed CO alarms provide an early warning, giving you the time you need to escape safely,” Roche said.  “If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, make sure there’s a CO alarm on every level and near all sleeping areas — it could save your life.”

Burlington Fire Department is warning the public to check CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace batteries every six months when changing smoke alarm batteries.

For more about CO safety, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit burlington.ca/fire.

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