The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department would like to remind residents that clocks fall back one hour at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1, 2026. As residents change their clocks, this is an important opportunity to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries in devices that require them.
In the event of a fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide early warning and can save lives. To function properly, alarms require a reliable power source and working batteries. The Blue Mountains Fire Department recommends that residents test their alarms regularly and replace batteries in devices at least once a year.
Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended that smoke alarms are installed inside all bedrooms. Effective January 1, 2026, changes to the Ontario Fire Code also require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed on every storey of the home and near sleeping areas, following the same placement requirements as smoke alarms.
Tampering with or removing batteries from smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can not only result in unnecessary injuries or deaths, but it could result in fines of up to $50,000.
The Blue Mountains Fire Department offers home inspections upon request to help residents ensure their homes are adequately protected and comply with Ontario Fire Code requirements.
To learn more or to request a home inspection, please contact the Blue Mountains Fire Department during normal business hours at 519-599-3131 ext. 9016 or visit www.thebluemountains.ca/fire-prevention.
For more information, please contact:
Blue Mountains Fire Department Prevention
(519) 599-3131 ext. 9016
Fireprevention@thebluemountains.ca