The following are the key points of his presentation that are particularly relevant to cottage/lake home owners:

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Smoke Alarms – should be in all sleeping areas, don’t forget to have one in your bunkie. 

CO2 Alarms – you need if you have gas, oil, propane or wood-burning heating systems.

Fire Extinguishers – choose one that is for all 3 different classifications of fire.

Storage of flammable materials – clearly identify location of propane tanks for firefighters, do not store firewood under the cottage.

Calling 911 – because of remote location of cottages, be sure to have the directions to the cottage handy and make sure guests know where to find the directions.

Prevention – keep trees pruned and cleared back from your cottage, ensure eaves are free of leaves/needles, create a fire break with gravel or stone walkways.

Fire Pit – pick a site close to water source, sheltered from wind, 10 meters from structures, open space above fire (2 meters), create clear space (2 meters) around fire scrapped right down to rock or soil, keep fire-fighting tools nearby (bucket of sand/water shovels, and a garden hose).

Fire permits – free permits required for all open-air burning, not required if contained campfire is used to cook food, application available on-line at dnetv.burnpermits.com

Fire bans – ban info avail at 613-267-2596, or you can subscribe to get notices on Tay Valley website.

Prepare for fire apparatus access – ensure your address number is visible from the road (and water side since DNETV has water access equipment), ensure your trees are cut back for large fire vehicles (at least 12 ft wide by 12 ft high).

Spring Opening Checklist:

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Blow the leaves out from under the cottage and the eaves and roof.

• Rake all the dead leaves and pine needles around the buildings and put them well back into the forest where they will naturally decay back into dirt (do this several times during the season if necessary). 

• Unscrew all electrical outlets and light sockets and vacuum them out (mice and insects can build nests in electrical boxes).

• Review your lot to ensure shrubs and tree limbs are not encroaching towards your cottage or road access.

• Ensure your fire pit is on solid rock, or brick around and underneath. Remove any weeds that have grown close (fire can travel underground and catch fire on a nearby tree if precautions are not taken).

• Keep on hand rakes, shovels, axes, garden hoses, and roof ladders as great aids in suppressing fires.

Here are some resources you may find useful:

• The FireSmart Manual from the province of Ontario has an in-depth fire protection plan and assessment for remote locations.

• From the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is some information regarding Spring and Summer Fire Safety.  https://www.oafc.on.ca/spring-summer-fire-safety-tips