Ontario’s Holiday Fire Safety Campaign Begins

City of Kenora Fire and Emergency Services is launching the Annual 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign to remind Kenora’s residents to take proper fire safety precautions and stay fire safe this holiday season. 

From December 12 to 23, fire departments across Ontario will promote a different fire safety theme each day, with tips on what you can do to keep the holidays fire safe. Holiday fire safety tips can be found by following and subscribing to @ONFireMarshal on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and following Kenora Fire on Facebook.

“This time of year, is bittersweet for the fire service as we continue to see an increased number of fatal fires during the months around the holidays,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “Prevention is the best way to stay fire safe and by making fire safety a priority, you can avoid unnecessary disaster.”

Kenora Fire Chief Howard reminds residents, “As you plan holiday celebrations, add fire prevention to the top of your list to make sure everyone stays safe and enjoys this special time of the year. Plan for fire safety, not a fire emergency.”

City of Kenora Fire and Emergency Services is encouraging families to follow the 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety across social networks and to pay attention to the tips and advice that can keep your family safe this season.

Schedule of topics

• December 12: Holiday Lights
• December 13: Tree Watering
• December 14: Candles and Decorations
• December 15: Smoke Alarms
• December 16: Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• December 17: Extension Cords
• December 18: Kids in the Kitchen
• December 19: Home Fire Escape Plans
• December 20: Cooking
• December 21: Heating Sources
• December 22: Smoking
• December 23: Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fire department personnel across Ontario have provided personal testimonials for each daily theme, grounding the safety advice in real-life, frontline experience. 

The 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign was developed in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC), the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officer's Association (OMFPOA), the Ontario Association of Fire Educators (OAFE) and fire departments across the province.

Quick facts

• OFM data indicate the months from November to January experience the highest number of residential fire deaths. 
• Cooking remains the top cause of residential fires while careless smoking remains the top cause of fatal fires.
• Last holiday season (November 2024 to January 2025) saw 24 residential fatal fires resulting in 26 fire deaths.
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, batteries replaced annually, and the alarms themselves replaced after 10 years of service.

Media contact

Mya Horley, Senior Communications Advisor, City of Kenora
mhorley@kenora.ca
807-467-2006