Pandemic partially to blame for major increase in fatal fires through 2020: Ottawa Fire Services

Fatal fires are up four times the typical amount in Ottawa for a calendar year, and Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) believes the pandemic has been a large reason why.

Firefighters have responded to 12 fires in Ottawa through 2020 where someone was either found deceased or died in hospital afterward. 

Ottawa Fire Service Public Information Officer Carson Tharris says there had only been three each year for the previous three years, but explains, people are spending a lot more time at home this year.

“Our homes have always had fire risks, whether it's cooking in the home, whether it's people smoking in the home, or our electrical devices that we have throughout the home — those fire risks have always been there,” says Tharris.

Typically, residents are spending large parts of their week inside commercial buildings which have protections like sprinkler systems and fire alarms that are professionally maintained. 

It's now up to those residents to make sure their homes meet similar standards by checking alarms once a month, making sure batteries are changed at least once a year.

Also — similar to what might be planned at a school or workplace — Tharris says homeowners should have a fire drill mapped out.

“Especially if you're home with people with mobility challenges, or if you're home with children — making sure you're taking that time to plan two ways out, throughout your home, and that you're practicing that evacuation.”

Clearing any exits of snow in the winter is also good to keep in mind, says Tharris, as well as making sure your home's furnace vents are clear to the outside.

The public information officer adds that many homes are filled with synthetic furniture and plastic products these days, so fire spreads quickly and fills homes with toxic smoke.

During the holiday season and winter, OFS is also reminding residents not to overloading electrical outlets and use battery operated candles when possible, unplug space heaters when not in use and make sure gas fireplaces are serviced each year.