Christmas time can be busy — but hopefully not for the Norfolk County Fire Department.
We spoke with Fire Prevention Officer Cory Armstrong-Smith, who says there are several factors during the holiday season that can increase the risk of a fire, and he wants to make sure the community is aware of them.
Cooking fires continue to be a major concern across Ontario, and Armstrong-Smith says the risk increases even more when alcohol or drugs are involved.
He’s reminding anyone preparing meals to stay with their food, noting that small fires can often be handled quickly if they’re caught early — before they have a chance to get out of control.
He also encourages families who are hosting overnight guests to have conversations about fire safety, including escape plans and knowing where exits are located.
The holidays are about spending time with friends and family.
Armstrong-Smith hopes that by being mindful of potential fire hazards, Norfolk County residents can help ensure local firefighters get to spend more time at home — and less time responding to emergencies.
We also spoke with Armstrong-Smith about lithium-ion battery safety, with that story set to be posted in the coming days.