Firefighters are reminding London residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors after responding to two calls within hours where homes lacked working devices.
London Fire Department Platoon Chief Jamie Britton said the incidents in homes on Dundas Street and Riverside Drive highlight how critical early warnings can be when smoke begins to build inside a home.
“Seconds count, and having smoke detectors and CO detectors in good working order is very important for life safety,” Britton said. “It’s proven time and time again that having that early warning saves lives.”
Ontario expanded it's fire code requirements this year making carbon monoxide alarms mandatory on every level in homes.
Britton said firefighters frequently encounter homes without working alarms when responding to calls.
“Unfortunately, quite often we are finding that residents don't have working smoke detectors in their homes or units,” he said. “It's almost a little discouraging because of how important that early warning is.”
Britton said without that early warning, smoke can build quickly inside a home before residents realize there is a problem.
Electrical issue sparks Dundas Street fire
Fire crews responded to a small electrical fire at a multi-unit home on the 700 block of Dundas Street shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday after smoke filled one of the apartments.
The Dundas Street fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical issue and resulted in about $1,000 in damage, according to the London Fire Department.
Britton said firefighters also worked with London Hydro to shut off power to the building. The property is currently relying on space heaters for heat, which crews believe may have contributed to the electrical problem.
While the fire was quickly contained, Britton urged residents to ensure their alarms were working.
Britton said smoke detectors must be installed on every level of a home because smoke does not always move evenly through a building.
“It might not reach a smoke detector on one level only,” he said. “So it's important to have it on every level so that you have that early detection.”
Smoke before the fire
Fire crews were called around 6:38 a.m. Wednesday to the 200 block of Riverside Drive after reports of a possible structure fire inside a home.
Britton said firefighters arriving at the scene discovered a pot left on the stove producing heavy smoke inside the residence.
“It was in a pre-fire condition,” he said. “Very close to becoming an issue.”
Britton said incidents like this are common for fire crews responding to residential calls.
“Cooking is one of our highest issues for structure fires,” he said. “If you have anything on the stovetop never leave it unattended”
Officials say both calls serve as a reminder that working alarms can alert residents before smoke or flames turn dangerous.