There are a variety of fire hazards in most homes that homeowners may be unaware of. While most residences don't need regular fire inspections, with the proper information and tools, you can keep your home safe from fire.
The City of Campbell River Fire Department recommends you conduct your own Home Fire Safety inspection each year. To help you, they have provided an inspection check list and other fire safety resources.
Home Fire Safety Inspection Checklist [PDF/715KB]
If you have any questions about your home fire safety inspection, or any other information provided here, please contact the Fire Prevention Branch at 250-286-6266.
Top Fire Causes
Being aware of the hazards in your home can help prevent fire causing accidents.
Cooking
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
Cooking Safety Info Sheet [PDF/681KB]
Heating
Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.
Heating Safety Info Sheet [PDF/1.4MB]
Electrical
Electricity helps make our lives easier, but there are times when we can take its power and its potential for fire-related hazards for granted.
Electrical Safety Info Sheet [PDF/546KB]
Smoking
Smoking-materials are a leading cause of fire deaths.
Smoking Safety Info Sheet [PDF/264KB]
Candles
Candles may be pretty to look at, but they are a cause of home fires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.
Candle Safety Info Sheet [PDF/658KB]
Safety Equipment
Having the proper safety equipment in your home can help keep you safe in the event of a fire.
Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms are essential in every household.
Smoke Alarms Info Sheet [PDF/790KB]
It's important your smoke alarm is working, is regularly checked and has fresh batteries. If your smoke alarm is chirping intermittently, either your battery is low or your alarm is expired. Check your alarms batteries and the expiration date, and replace as necessary.
If your smoke alarm is beeping steadily, it may have been set off by smoke or high heat. If you don’t know the cause of the beeping (such as burnt food on the stove), have everyone leave the home immediately and call 9-1-1.
If at any time if you are unsure about your smoke alarm or have questions, call the fire department’s non-emergency line, day or night, at 250-286-6266.
Home Fire Sprinklers
Home fire sprinklers can help save lives and property from fire.
Home Sprinklers Info Sheet [PDF/751KB]
Fire Extinguishers
A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Fires grow and spread rapidly, so the top priority for residents is to get out safely.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Be aware of the hazards of Carbon Monoxide (CO), known as the invisible killer.
Carbon Monoxide Info Sheet [PDF/390KB]
If your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm has a low battery, you will likely hear a short chirp every 15 seconds to one minute. Try replacing the battery and see if that fixes it. However, carbon monoxide can cause a serious health emergency. If you have any concerns, please contact the fire department, day or night, at 250-286-6266.
To warn of dangerous CO levels, most detectors will beep 4 or 5 times in a row, about every 4 seconds. Do not mistake dangerous levels of poisonous gas for a detector with low battery! Even if no one in the building is experiencing symptoms, if there's a chance your detector is signalling carbon monoxide, get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and dial 9-1-1. Acting quickly is key. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Headaches
- Impaired judgment
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest Pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- High levels of poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness and muscular coordination, and ultimately, death.
Preparedness Resources
Being prepared for a fire means in the event of one, you can act quickly, possibly saving your life.
Escape Planning
Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on advanced warning from smoke alarms, and advanced planning and practicing of an escape plan.
How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan [PDF/254KB]
Fire Prevention Week
Every year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) holds Fire Prevention Week, focused on a single topic related to fire prevention.