Fire Prevention and Public Education

The Township of Tiny's Fire and Emergency Services Department is committed to rigorous public education on fire and emergency safety and prevention.

Education and awareness initiatives include a variety of topics such as emergency preparedness, home fire escape plans, home fire safety audits, cooking and BBQ safety tips, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, heating equipment and fireplace safety, lithium-ion battery safety, and more.

Smoke Alarms

Under the Ontario Fire Code, every home must be equipped with working smoke alarms on every storey, and outside of sleeping areas. For specific requirements for your home, please refer to the Ontario Fire Code or reach out to Tiny Fire if you have questions.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips (PDF)

The Ontario Fire Code requires that smoke alarms meet the Canadian Standard CAN/ULC-S531. Smoke alarms are available at any home supply store. Please ensure that the smoke alarm is marked with an approved Canadian safety certification such as ULC, CSA, ETL, etc.
Smoke alarms may be battery operated or electrically hardwired (depending on the age of your home). If smoke alarms are electrically hardwired and/or interconnected to other smoke alarms it is important to replace them with electrically hardwired and/or interconnected alarms if replacement is required.
Consult a licensed electrician for concerns with electrically hardwired smoke alarms. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has a contractor locator map that you can use to find a licensed electrician: https://findacontractor.esasafe.com/.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

As of January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code is mandating all residential occupancies (homes, apartments, etc.) that have a fuel burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, must have:

a carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to each sleeping area, and
a carbon monoxide alarm on each storey without a sleeping area (on every floor).

Press Release: Tiny Fire launches carbon monoxide awareness education campaign

For specific requirements for your home, please refer to the Ontario Fire Code or reach out to Tiny Fire if you have questions.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips (PDF)

CO Safety Information (PDF)

The Ontario Fire Code requires that carbon monoxide alarms meet the Canadian Standard CSA-6.19/UL 2034. CO alarms are available at any home supply store. Please ensure that the CO alarm is marked with an approved Canadian safety certification such as ULC, CSA, ETL, etc.
CO alarms can be electrically powered, battery-powered, electrical plugin or a combination. If you are installing a plugin type or electrically wired alarm, a battery backup is recommended in case of power failures.
Consult a licensed electrician for concerns with electrically hardwired smoke alarms. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has a contractor locator map that you can use to find a licensed electrician: https://findacontractor.esasafe.com/.

Additional Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety Information

Do you know the sounds that your smoke and CO alarms can make, and why?
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Tiny Fire urges all residents to understand the sounds their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms make, and react accordingly. Your life may depend on it.
An alarm sounding with a rapid and continuous beep indicates an emergency and you should immediately evacuate and call 911 once safely outside.
Intermittent single or double chirps every 15-60 seconds usually indicates a low battery or other detector faults. If safe to do so, residents are encouraged to read the instructions on the back of their alarm or reference the manual to understand what the signal means.
If in doubt, or a dangerous condition exists, exit the building immediately and call 911.
What happens if I can't find my manual?
Please determine the manufacturer of your particular smoke or CO alarm, and follow the links to the left side of the page to contact them or get more information. If you have questions about the make or model, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Common factors that cause unwanted or intermittent alarms
Please consult your particular manufacturers manual on how to fix the issue.
1. Dust - Dust can accumulate within the alarm itself and cause unwanted or intermittent alarm sounds.
2. Placement - If alarms are placed close to bathrooms or cooking appliances, steam can cause nuisance alarms. Alarms placed close to vents in the house can cause dust build up.
3. Low Battery - A battery must be changed in your alarm every 6 months or based on your alarm manufacturers recommendations.
4. Age - Residential alarms only last approximately 10 years (depending on the manufacturer). Please consult your manual or manufacturer's webpage for specific dates. By law, they must be changed by the end of life timeframe - this ensures that you and your family will be alerted in the event of an emergency.
Yes! The Tiny Fire and Emergency Services Department offers a free Home Fire Safety Audit service.
Participation in this free service provides residents amnesty to our Zero Tolerance Smoke Alarm policy provided the residence is in full compliance with both the Smoke/CO regulations upon completion of the audit.

Our professional team will conduct a comprehensive safety audit and discuss how to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
Home Fire Safety Audit Program (PDF)
If you wish to participate in this program, or if you have questions about your alarms, please contact us:
Tiny Fire and Emergency Services
E: fireofficeadmin@tiny.ca
T: 705-322-1161

Fire Safety Kids Zone

cartoon child in firefighter outfit putting out a small fire

Providing education to our youth is an important piece of fire safety. Our department does outreach in schools to ensure we are reaching children and teaching them to be fire safe. You can help by teaching your kids about fire safety, practice your home fire escape plan, and continue learning with them.

Fire Safety Information at Home

There are a variety of ways to stay fire safe in our homes. From cooking and barbecuing, to fuel burning appliance maintenance, Tiny Fire has a variety of resources to keep you and your family safe.

- BBQ Safety Tips (PDF)
- Cooking Fire Safety (PDF)
- Holiday Fire Safety (PDF)
- 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety Tips (PDF)

No Hot Pets

Tiny Fire reminds everyone to plan ahead and never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle in the summer. They have a limited ability to sweat and cannot handle hot temperatures.

Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days. If you can’t take your animal with you when you leave your car, leave them at home where they are safe. This helps to limit unnecessary emergency calls.

Plan ahead! If you are travelling with your pet, only make stops at pet-friendly stores, opt for drive-thru meals, and do your errands before or after taking Fido with you.