12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety
Fire Chief Ed Thiessen and LaSalle Fire Service firefighters have one simple wish this holiday season. “We are wishing for a fire-free holiday season in LaSalle,” said Chief Thiessen. “Together we can make this wish come true!”
The holidays are a busy time, and distractions can lead to tragedy. A pot left on the stove or a candle burning unattended can turn celebrations into heartbreak. “Never leave cooking unattended and consider using battery-operated or flameless candles instead of traditional ones,” said Chief Thiessen.
LaSalle firefighters are also reminding residents to keep smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in working order.
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Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
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Test alarms monthly and replace batteries when needed.
Enjoy a fire safe holiday season with these tips:
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Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
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Drink responsibly. Cooking or smoking while impaired is too often a contributing factor in fatal fires.
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Keep real Christmas trees watered to prevent them from drying out.
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Inspect decorative lights and discard damaged sets.
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Practice a home fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do if alarms sound.
Quick Facts:
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The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) data shows the months from November to January experience the highest number of residential fire deaths.
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Cooking remains the top cause of residential fires, while careless smoking remains the top cause of fatal fires.
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Last holiday season (November 2024 to January 2025) saw 24 residential fatal fires resulting in 26 fire deaths.
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Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, batteries replaced annually, and the alarms themselves replaced after 10 years of service.