SPECIAL ASK THE EXPERTS – Extinguishing Danger Before It Ignites: Fire Prevention In Our Homes
Anyone who has lived through a house fire can attest to the trauma experienced when they realize their home is burning.
The minutes prior are likely typical and calm, just as they would be during any other ordinary moment spent in the sanctity of your home. A flash of ignition, however, is another thing entirely!
Whether the fire originates quickly from a cooking source or slowly from a smouldering wire within a wall, the second you see the flames, it’s another level of terror.
We at Biz X sincerely hope none of our readers endure this type of tragedy, and with this in mind, we have set out to provide you with pertinent information designed to assist in preventing fires, as well as guidance if you do experience a fire on your property.
To understand the likelihood of a fire in your residence, we contacted John Smith, the Chief Fire Prevention Officer for Windsor Fire & Rescue Services and discovered there were 710 residential fires in Windsor during the period between 2020 and 2024.
These fires resulted in 315 injuries, 12 fatalities, and $73,917,689 in property damage. It is interesting to note that 2020 was the lowest amount at $8,061,633, with figures increasing to the highest in 2024 at $18,664,150! (Note: residential fires are occupancies basically where people sleep that do not need any care and include houses, duplexes, semi-detached homes, and apartment buildings).
“Windsor Fire and Rescue Services (WFRS) was formed in 1935 after the amalgamation of Windsor, Walkerville, Sandwich, and East Windsor,” recounts Smith. “Personally, I have 27 years with WFRS with 12 years in the fire prevention division. Our organization is active in various areas such as fire suppression, specialized rescue, medical assistance, and fire prevention/education services.”
The stats previously mentioned are staggering, and last year’s numbers appear significant as well.
“Statistics for structure fires in Windsor in 2025 have not yet been officially complied by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, but from internal calculations, 2025 was a busy year for firefighters again,” notes Smith. “Responses to unattended cooking/pot stove fires alone accounted for 180 of those calls. Kitchen fires can result in very minor damage, from light smoke to a total loss of the occupancy. I can confirm that there was one fatality in 2025. As the Chief Fire Prevention Officer, I want to see that number at zero every year.”
The Fire Prevention Division’s complement has 10 Fire Prevention Officers, one Public Education Officer, and a Chief Fire Prevention Officer. The Fire Prevention Division is also responsible for Fire Origin and Cause Investigations. WFRS also incorporates an Emergency Communications Centre, Training Division, Apparatus Division, and an Administrative Division.
“Currently in Windsor, the leading cause of fires is unattended cooking/pots on the stove, resulting in kitchen fires, however, careless smoking is the leading cause of fire-related fatalities across the province,” states Smith. “When it comes to kitchen fires the best advice is to stay in the kitchen while you are cooking on the stovetop. Distractions that pull you away from attending to what is on the stove can result in the water boiling away when boiling eggs, oil becoming overheated and igniting into flames, or bacon overheating and igniting. Of course, always make sure your cooking appliances are turned off when leaving the home. When it comes to smoking, always discard smoking materials into a metal container after wetting them down with water.”
There are several other potential causes of residential fires that can have a severe effect on our lives, but there are measures we can take to mitigate these hazards.
“Only use extension cords as a temporary power supply and do not overload electrical plugs with multiple appliances and devices,” Smith advises. “Do not charge cell phones under pillows at night, use only approved chargers, and make sure all charging devices are CSA or CAN-ULC rated.”
He adds: “Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Replace the unit within 10 years after the manufacture date and if you rent, inform your landlord of any problems with an alarm.”
Firefighters are in contact with the public daily and relay fire and life safety measures. They also check homes to make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of the home.
“The Fire Prevention Division offers public education messaging at local schools, The Safety Village (7911 Forest Glade Drive, Windsor), young adult groups, new Canadian groups, mature adult organizations, public events, and through social media,” informs Smith. “WFRS participates in the annual province-wide Fire Prevention Week which is happening this year from October 4 to 11.”
READ TIPS FROM Red Seal Fire Protection Ltd.; Nussio Electrical Ltd.; Superior Plumbing & Home Comfort; Spadafora Insurance Services Inc. and Supreme Services in the cover story…
