Peterborough Fire Services Warns Public of Expired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Following recent incidents involving expired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the city, Peterborough Fire Services urges all residents to ensure their alarms are functioning correctly and are not expired says the City of Peterborough.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms require regular checks and maintenance. Residents are reminded to look at the back of the alarm to find its manufacturing date. If the alarm is 10 years old or older, it must be replaced with the same type of alarm.

Key information regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

  • Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.

  • Homeowners play a crucial role in maintaining their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms which are vital for home safety.

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor of your home, including the basement. If possible, interconnect all alarms so that if one goes off, they all do.

  • When replacing your alarm, opt for the same type of alarm, preferably interconnected and hardwired.

  • Ensure any new alarms installed have the CSA and UL seal of approval.

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Enbridge Gas and Peterborough Fire Services Partner to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths In New Project

Enbridge Gas Inc. and Peterborough Fire Services have partnered to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero with the Safe Community Project Zero, announced at the Peterborough Fire Services Station # 3 on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Fire Services.

“Last year there were 133 fire fatalities in the province – the most in 20 years,” says Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “As part of Project Zero, we are encouraging everyone to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety, and home fire escape planning which can save the lives of you and your loved ones. Only working smoke alarms will alert us in the event of a fire. We need to have them, and they need to work. These alarms will help us get them into the homes that need them most.”

Peterborough Fire Services received 324 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign that will provide more than 10,000 alarms to residents in 50 municipalities across Ontario according to a press release.

It was reported by The City of Peterborough that Enbridge Gas invested $315,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 15 years, the program has provided more than 86,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels as stated in a press release.

“Properly maintaining fuel burning equipment is the best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide, and an alarm is a critical second line of defense for protection,” said Ian Moase, manager operations of Enbridge Gas.” When we implement these strategies together, we protect our loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning, also known as the silent killer.”

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Peterborough Police and Fire Services Performing Water Training Scenarios At Little Lake For the Week

Peterborough Police Service and Fire Services are performing water training water scenarios throughout the rest of the week at the T-wharf at Little Lake from Tuesday to Friday.

The majority of the activities are done during the morning throughout the week.

Peterborough Police thanks to the public for their patience as the training is underway.

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Peterborough Police Investigating Pickup Truck Fire Near Dublin Street

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating a vehicle fire that occurred early Wednesday morning.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Around 1 a.m., officers arrived at a parking lot in the Dublin Street and Aylmer Street area with a pickup truck on fire. Peterborough Fire Services extinguished it and no injuries were reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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North-End Fire Station Gets Groundbreaking Ceremony From City of Peterborough

The construction of a new Fire Station No. 2 has officially been marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on 100 Marina Blvd. at the former Northcrest Arena location held on Thursday.

Lett Architects Inc. designed the fire station to be completed for the fall of 2024. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The new fire station is replacing the Carnegie Avenue location which was built in 1967. It will aid in making fire response times quicker since you have three minutes to escape a building without injury according to Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger.

He continues to state that the replacement of Fire Station 2 is necessary as the needs of fire services have evolved since the current station was built in 1967.

“The station has served our community well over the years, but because of its design it has become increasingly challenging to provide the services that are necessary from the existing station,” said Snetsinger. “The new station is designed and strategically located to support our community’s existing neighbourhoods and projected growth.”

The new facility is being built following the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard for both design and performance according to Councillor Leslie Parnell.

The building is designed to achieve net zero energy performance using onsite renewable energy to reduce operating and maintenance costs.

“The new fire station will help position and support our Fire Services workers as they respond to emergency calls in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By building it using Zero Carbon standards, we’re reducing our environmental footprint in our delivery of this essential service.”

Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024.

JCB Construction Canada was awarded the construction contract by the City for $10 million.

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Acting Captain Christopher Roberts Retires After a 19-Year Tenure With Peterborough Fire Services

Peterborough Fire Services acting captain Christopher Roberts is retiring as Tuesday is his last day with the service announced on Facebook on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough FIre Services.

“We would like to extend all the best to Christopher as he moves on to the next chapter in his life. You will be missed,” said Peterborough Fire Services in a Facebook post.

Roberts spent 19 years and eight months with Peterborough Fire Services, joining on May 26, 2003.

“I had a great career with fantastic people,” commented Roberts on Facebook.

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No Injuries In George Street Apartment Fire; Estimated $75,000 In Damages

Peterborough Fire Services were called to an apartment building on George Street after reports of smoke coming from it around 2:20 a.m. on Monday morning.

File photo.

Upon arrival, PFS says the third floor of the building was completely charged with smoke. The fire was located in one apartment and was extinguished before spreading any further.

No injuries were reported and the fire's cause is currently under investigation according to acting captain Jude Rutland. $75,000 in damages has been reported.

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Peterborough Fire Services Extinguishes Wolfe Street Tent Fire

Peterborough Fire Services aided someone out of a fiery tent on a property on Wolfe Street, east of Aylmer Street, on Sunday.

Peterborough Fire Services have responded to fires at the Wolfe Street tenting site eight times in the last four weeks. File photo.

Fire Services originally responded for a possible fire and found a campfire under a tarped enclosure. While extinguishing the campfire, firefighters saw a tent with a person inside that began to ignite. Firefighters and a pedestrian alerted the occupant and helped them get out. The fire was immediately extinguished shortly after. Peterborough Paramedics assessed the individual and did not go to the hospital as a result of the incident.

Tenting and open-air burning is prohibited on City property except where permitted in Beavermead Campground according to the City of Peterborough. In the winter, health and safety concerns are heightened with exposure to extreme cold and the increased risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe heating sources.

Social Services outreach workers regularly reach anyone who are experiencing homelessness and who are tenting to offer assistance with accessing available shelter and housing services.

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Fire Breaks Out at Simcoe Street Restaurant Late Monday Evening

Updated at 3:51 p.m. Oct. 25, 2022

Peterborough Fire Services responded to a report of flames showing in the windows at Indian Peacock Restaurant on 187 Simcoe St. at 10:35 p.m. Monday evening.

Police say while two crews extinguished the fire, a third ensured all residents exited the building. The fire was on the ground floor of a building with residential apartments on the second and third floors. All residents were reportedly able to exit the building safely.

The restaurant sustained extensive damage and the remainder of the building sustained minor smoke damage.

The cause of the fire was an improperly disposed firework according to a press release.

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Peterborough Fire Services Urges Residents To Prioritize Safety When Using Fireworks

Peterborough Fire Services has asked residents to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough. 

File Photo

City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit. 

While fireworks displays are permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions when using fireworks. Fireworks can also startle pets. 

Peterborough Police receive a number of complaints about fireworks, mostly regarding noise. Between May 1 and Sept. 15 of last year, there were 80 such complaints made to the Service. Peterborough Police reminds residents to be respectful of other residents' lawful right to enjoy their property and to be safe.

Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents that using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks: 

  • Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks.

  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

  • Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.

  • Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

  • Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions.

  • Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and can cause burns and eye injuries.

The City of Peterborough by-law regulating fireworks displays and the Noise By-law are available online at peterborough.ca/bylaws

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