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From November 1 to 7, Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is recognized across Ontario to highlight the deadly dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and to stress the importance of having working CO alarms in homes to save lives.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is lethal and undetectable without a working CO alarm. Each year, Ontario records multiple deaths from accidental exposure to CO – lives that could have been saved with the installation of a working CO alarm.

Since 2014, CO alarms have been required by Ontario law outside all sleeping areas in homes with fuel-fired appliances, fireplaces or attached garages.

Ontario is expanding these requirements in the new year to further protect residents from CO exposure.

Starting January 1, 2026, homes that contain a fuel-fired appliance, fireplace, attached garage or that receive heated air from a fuel-fired appliance located outside the home, such as in a utility shed, will be required to have CO alarms installed on every storey of the home, including storeys with and without sleeping areas.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious and lethal and there is no excuse to not take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “Because only a CO alarm will alert you to exposure, I’m pleased that we are expanding protection in Ontario to prevent CO injuries and deaths with these new Fire Code requirements.”

Expanded CO alarm requirements will also apply to multi-unit residential buildings such as apartment buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels and retirement homes. In addition, CO alarms will now be mandatory in buildings that contain care occupancies where residents require special care and need assistance to evacuate an emergency.

Under the Fire Code, CO alarms are permitted to be hardwired, battery-operated or plug-in devices. Many devices on the market are combined units that include both a smoke alarm and a CO alarm in one device.

Here are tips to prevent the build-up of CO in homes:

• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances, heating systems and fireplaces are inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician annually. This is particularly important in the colder months when these appliances are used more frequently
• If an unknown leak or blockage has developed, CO exposure in the home could occur. Find a registered contractor at COSafety.ca
• Keep exhaust vents and chimneys clear of bird and squirrel nests, leaves and other debris to ensure proper ventilation and routine operation of appliances
• Never use barbecues, portable fuel-burning camping equipment or gas-powered generators indoors, including inside the garage

For information on CO alarm maintenance and more, visit Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide or contact your local fire department for questions about CO alarm requirements.

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The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is warning Ontarians about the risks of lithium-ion battery fires as Fire Prevention Week, October 5 to 11, 2025, is now underway. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights the critical importance of safe charging, proper use, and following manufacturer’s instructions to help prevent these dangerous fires.

“Lithium-ion batteries are not like regular batteries,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “When they fail, they can unleash a chain reaction that results in an intense fire that can spread in seconds, release toxic smoke, and make escape incredibly difficult.”

The number of lithium-ion battery-related fires is rising sharply across the province with the increasing number of household devices, such as phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and scooters, powered by them.

These fires often begin with overheating. If the battery is damaged, tampered with, or charged improperly, this overheating can spiral into thermal runaway — a self-sustaining reaction in which heat is generated faster than it can dissipate, resulting in fire and, in some cases, explosion. These fires burn hotter and faster than other types of fires and produce thick, toxic smoke.

“Lithium-ion battery fires present a new, significant challenge to the fire service,” continued Fire Marshal Pegg. “But like many other types of fires, they can be prevented by following simple safety tips.”

When used as intended, lithium-ion batteries will perform well. The public is urged to follow these tips to stay safe:

• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for the use, charging, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
• Always use the charger and battery that came with the device — never substitute batteries with uncertified or off-brand alternatives. Devices and their batteries are engineered to work together. Substituting uncertified chargers or third-party batteries undermines these safety designs and dramatically increases the risk of failure.
• Unplug devices once they are fully charged and avoid charging overnight or while unattended.
• Never modify or tamper with lithium-ion batteries — and never attempt to build your own.
• Protect batteries from physical damage (punctures, crushing, or water exposure).
• Do not leave devices in the rain or snow.
• Recycle batteries at approved drop-off locations. Never put them in household garbage or blue bins.

For more information, visit www.chargedforlife.ca and follow the OFM @ONFireMarshal.

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