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As National Fire Prevention Week concludes, the Airdrie Fire Department stresses the importance of working smoke alarms in homes. This year's campaign slogan, "Smoke alarms: make them work for you!" underscores a message that remains relevant, no matter how banal it may seem.
According to a 2023 report from Statistics Canada, over one in ten residential fires, occurred in homes without a smoke alarm. Alarm status was unknown in 38 per cent of these fires, while 37 per cent had working alarms. The report highlighted that homes without functioning smoke alarms accounted for nearly three out of four fire-related deaths—74 percent.
"We still see residents that don't understand that smoke alarms need to be replaced every ten years, or per the manufacturer's requirements; and because it's a device that's on your ceiling, sometimes it's out of sight, people forget about it, and they don't do the proper testing maintenance of those alarms," said Deputy Fire Chief James Kostuk.
While smart home technology has become more prevalent, especially in newer homes, Kostuk noted that there hasn't been a technology gap. He added that the province utilizes the National Building Code, ensuring all buildings have the same safety levels.
"...As the codes change and evolve, we've seen smoke alarm requirements increase; that's not saying that an older home is any less safe, but we can help provide them some strategies to increase that safety level," he said. "Nationally, we're trying to do a good job of incorporating that new technology into our codes."
Kostuk also emphasized that new residential developments in Airdrie benefit from updated building codes established in 2014. These codes require smoke alarms to be installed in every building and level of homes, including common areas.
"We're very fortunate that our new buildings are being built to the highest standard code. Compared to older homes, some of our older neighbourhoods are still safe but don't have the same smoke alarms. We know that the critical factor for a fire is time. So, a smoke alarm provides early notification to the resident that there is a problem. The more smoke alarms you can have in a home, the earlier activation you get and the quicker you can get out safely."
As discussions on secondary suites and basement rentals gain momentum in Airdrie, especially given the increased demand due to population growth, Kostuk was asked about the accountability surrounding smoke alarm installation and maintenance.
While the fire department enforces fire codes for rental properties, they lack authority over homeowners regarding smoke alarm upkeep.
"If you own your home, the fire department has no authority to make sure you maintain and update your smoke alarms as needed," he underscored, emphasizing the need for homeowners to be vigilant in maintaining their smoke alarms.
The owner or the tenant is responsible for rental properties' smoke alarms. Failure to comply with smoke alarm regulations can result in charges or fines.
"Historically, secondary suites were in the fire code. In 2006, fire departments were actively going into secondary suites to make sure that they met the full requirements of the building code," he explained. "And quite often, we discovered that smoke alarms were a violation with many of the owners. There were a lot of building permits pulled to ensure those homes were safe."
Kostuk admitted that with the rising demand for secondary suites, there is concern that some homes could slip "through the cracks."
"But we also rely on the tenants. If they don't feel safe when signing their contract, they should check the smoke alarm with their landlord when they first move in to make sure those are all functioning."
To close out Fire Prevention Week, the Airdrie Fire Department invites residents to Fire Safety Day next weekend on Saturday, October 19, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Chinook Winds Fire Station (2525 Chinook Winds Drive Southwest).
Attendees can meet Sparky, the mascot, interact with firefighters and the city's Fire Chief, and participate in games and safety demonstrations.
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