1. Choose the right smoke alarms. There are many types available with different power sources, technologies and features. For more information visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca or contact the fire department.
2. Install in the proper locations. Working smoke alarms must be located on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Avoid installing smoke alarms in or adjacent to kitchens and bathrooms, or near air vents, windows and ceiling fans.
3. If a smoke alarm frequently activates due to cooking activities or using the shower do not remove the battery! Try moving the smoke alarm, purchasing a smoke alarm with a hush feature, or replacing ionization alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric alarms. For more solutions to nuisance alarms, visit www.makeitstop.ca
4. Install a new battery at least once a year or whenever the low-battery warning sounds. Test the smoke alarm after installing a new battery.
5. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and upon returning home after an absence of more than a few days. If the alarm fails to sound when the test button is pressed, make sure the battery is installed correctly, or install a new battery. If the alarm still fails to sound, replace the smoke alarm with a new one.
6. Smoke alarms more than ten years old should be replaced with new ones.
7. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.

A FIRE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OPEN AIR BURNING

Drummond/North Elmsley Township -By-Law No. 2024-030 - Open Air Burning

NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR OPEN AIR FIRE PERMITS

A permit is required for all open air burning.  Residents who registered for a permit prior to June 1, 2021 need to re-apply using the link below. Residents have until November 30, 2021 to re-apply.

How to obtain an open air fire permit: Complete your permit application online at https://dnetv.burnpermits.com or call 613-267-2596.

If you are a tenant, permission from the property owner must be obtained.
Cost: All open-air fire permits are FREE. For more information, please call 613-267-2596.

Any person who deliberately sets a fire without a permit, fails to meet requirements of the permit, or refuses to assist in controlling or extinguishing a fire, may be held liable for all costs. The cost is based on current MTO rates for every vehicle that responds to the emergency.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to be aware of current fire bans. If in doubt please contact the Fire Department at 613-267-2596.

Recommended guidelines for campfire pits:

• Built of non-combustible material not less than 2.0 feet (0.6 m) above grade;
• Not greater than 3.0 feet (1.0 m) in diameter;
• Surrounded by non-combustible ground cover;
• A metal grate installed on top of the campfire pit;
• Flame height not greater than 3.0 feet (1.0 m) above grade

When you see the green flashing light, our volunteer fire fighters are responding to an emergency call. Please give them the right-of-way, pull to the right of the road, and allow them to pass safely.

The Fire Department covers a geographic area of more than 998 square kilometres, and serves more than 18,000 permanent and seasonal residents.

It is important that a fire truck or ambulance be able to access your laneway when responding to an emergency call at your house or cottage. An access that is not suitable for a large pumper truck or ambulance may affect the effectiveness of emergency personnel responding to an emergency call at that location. You are responsible to ensure that your laneway is snow ploughed and clear of limbs or trees to a minimum width of 15 feet with a clearance of 15 feet overhead. Any turns or corners must be wide enough to allow the trucks to drive directly to the residence. It is also important to ensure that your blue and white civic address sign is clearly visible.