The Holidays are heating up!

Office of the Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services offer tips to keep the public and their homes safe from fire this holiday season

TORONTO , Dec. 10 /CNW/ -

NEWS

Traditionally, the holidays are the most dangerous time of year for fires and fire fatalities in Ontario. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires.

Today the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) and Toronto Fire Services (TFS) demonstrated the many ways the public can prevent fire from occurring in their home during the holiday season.

Some of most common causes of fires across the province each and every day are started by careless cooking, careless smoking or the careless use of candles. And all too often alcohol is involved. The public must take responsibility for preventing these types of fire and ensuring their families are safe from fire during the holiday season.

QUOTES

"I hope that all Ontarians will pay attention to the basic rules of fire prevention so that our families can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season," said Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. "Nobody wants their holiday to end in tragedy. With a little common sense we can ensure our holidays are truly wonderful to remember."

"While fire can happen anywhere, at anytime, it most often strikes when we let our guard down - when we're distracted by the telephone, the kids or the doorbell," said Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke . "Cooking and burning candles are activities that require careful attention so stay in the kitchen when cooking and never leave candles unattended."

"Most of the fires we respond to this time of year could easily be prevented," explained Toronto Fire Services Chief Bill Stewart . " Toronto Fire Services is determined to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries over the holiday season and we need the help of the public."

LEARN MORE

For fire safety tips during the holidays and throughout the year visit the Office of the Fire Marshal website at www.ofm.gov.on.ca.

For further information: Gina Pontikas, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]; Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]