MEDIA RELEASE
Middlesex Centre, Ontario, October 24, 2023 – Middlesex Centre Fire Services are crediting working smoke alarms for a family’s safe escape from a devastating fire in their home.
Three stations responded to a house fire in the community of Poplar Hill on October 23, 2023. Fortunately, everyone got out of the home safely, but damage is extensive, estimated at $1 million. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Local firefighters had been in the community and visited the home earlier in October as part of their door-to-door smoke alarm testing program. Working alarms in the home gave the family the warning they needed to safely escape the fire.
“We can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone to regularly test their smoke alarms,” said Fire Chief Colin Toth. “Working alarms save lives.”
Last year, Ontario lost 133 people to deadly fires – the highest number in over 20 years. Many of these fires were found to have no working smoke alarm.
“Being prepared to act in the event of a fire can start by simply pressing the test button to make sure the alarms in your home are working properly,” said Chief Toth. “Everyone should test their smoke alarms at least once a month, change the batteries as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and replace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years.”
If you have questions about smoke alarms and other fire safety steps you can take in your home, visit middlesexcentre.ca/firesafety or contact Middlesex Centre Fire Services at 519-666-0190 or firehq@middlesexcentre.ca
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Media Contact:
Heather Kepran
Municipality of Middlesex Centre