EDITORIAL: Alarming statistics

A weekend fire on Hodder Avenue that claimed the life of a man living in an apartment unit is a harsh reminder of the importance of smoke detectors in the home.

While officials from the Fire Marshal’s Office have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, on Tuesday they said in all likelihood it was careless smoking.

Fire officials were still trying to determine if the smoke detectors in the apartment were functioning at the time of the blaze.
Regardless, it should make every resident of the city stop and think for a moment.

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, 21 per cent of fatal fires occur where no smoke detector is present. In a further 25 per cent, a smoke detector is present, but not operational at the time of the blaze.

So, in nearly half of all deadly fires in the province, a smoke detector hasn’t been given the chance to save a life. Seconds count when fire starts to spread in the home.

It’s also the law in Ontario. There must be a working smoke detection device on all levels of a home, and outside all sleeping areas.

Yes, they cost money to buy and maintain. But peace of mind – and the possible saving of a life or lives – by far outweighs the cost. It only makes sense.