January 20, 2025
WINCHESTER, Ontario - The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is cautioning Ontarians on the purchase and use of fire blankets as an active fire protection device in the home.
While fire blankets are increasingly advertised as an effective way to extinguish, for example, stovetop fires, there are no Canadian standards that apply to fire blankets and the use of fire blankets in Ontario is not required by law. The OFM is concerned that a fire blanket may give a false sense of security and fire safety.
The OFM would like to stress that it does not endorse the use of fire blankets for consumer use, and that fire blankets should only be used by trained professionals. Fire blankets are considered by the OFM to be a non‐essential product in the home.
The OFM continues to recommend to the public tried and tested fire safety practices in the home, including:
Cooking fires
Keep a proper fitting lid near the stove when cooking. If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot, turn off the stove and do not move the pot until it has cooled.
Smoke alarms
- Install smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
- For added protection, the fire service recommends installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the battery at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Home fire escape plans:
- Develop a home fire escape plan with everyone in the household and discuss how each person will get out of the home in a fire.
- Practice the home fire escape plan with everyone in the household.
The OFM recommends that fire departments continue to use these messages to educate the public about fire safety in the home.