THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Chief John Hay credits a working smoke alarm for helping residents of a Grenville Avenue home escape an early morning Nov. 5 fire.
Two occupants were sent to hospital suffering from minor burns, while a third was able to escape without injury.
Hay said it was quickly determined a candle in a bedroom that came into contact with bedding led to the fire. A female occupant attempted to extinguish the small blaze and in the process was burned on her fingers and legs. A male occupant was burned on his torso trying to locate a cat, which had already exited the building.
“Unfortunately one occupant tried to put out the fire instead of getting outside to safety," Hay said in a release issued on Wednesday.
"People need to realize that a fire can quickly get out of control and they should exit their home as soon as they are alerted by their smoke alarm to the fire emergency. Just as important as having working smoke alarms is making sure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do to if a fire occurs.”
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds residents to plan and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.
Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:
• Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
• All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
• Determine responsibility for helping young children, older adults and anyone needing assistance
• Choose a meeting place outside, such as tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
• Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
• Practice your home fire escape plan. Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:
• Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord you need assistance.
• Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.
