Home Fire Safety
What's on this page
↓Overview
↓Preventing fires at home
↓Smoke alarms
↓Carbon monoxide alarms
↓Prepare a home escape plan
↓Display your house number
↓Get a home sprinkler system
↓Schedule a home inspection
↓Responding to a fire in your home
↓Causes of fires
↓How this information affects you
Overview
Most fatal house fires occur at night, when people have little time to react. Taking simple, preventative steps can significantly reduce the risk of fire and help protect you and your loved ones.
This page outlines key home fire safety measures, what to do if a fire occurs, and common causes of residential fires.
Fire prevention starts with everyday actions. The measures below help reduce the risk of fire and limit how quickly a fire can spread in your home.
The sections that follow explain each safety measure and why it matters.
According to the Ontario Fire Code, all homes must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
To maintain your smoke alarms:
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Test all smoke alarms monthly
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Replace batteries at least twice a year
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Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
Some homes use monitored smoke alarm systems. These systems can:
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Automatically send alerts to a central monitoring station
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Notify Milton Fire & Rescue Services when an alarm is triggered
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Monitor for carbon monoxide and combustible gases
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May help reduce property insurance premiums
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. Updated carbon monoxide alarm requirements came into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, to improve home safety and reduce the risk of CO poisoning.
To stay protected:
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Test your CO alarms monthly
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Install alarms near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds:
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Leave the building immediately
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Get fresh air
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Contact emergency services once you are safe
To reduce the risk of CO exposure:
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Have fuel-burning appliances inspected and maintained by a licensed professional
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Ensure furnaces have an adequate supply of fresh air
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Never leave a vehicle running in a garage
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Allow fresh air to circulate in your home
A carbon monoxide safety awareness video is available to help you better understand the risks and warning signs.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can resemble flu symptoms and may include:
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Headaches
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Drowsiness
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Nausea
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Ringing in the ears
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Vomiting
At higher levels, carbon monoxide exposure can cause unconsciousness or death. Young children and older adults are most at risk.
Fire can spread quickly, leaving little time to escape. A home escape plan helps everyone in your household know what to do during an emergency.
To create an escape plan:
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Draw a floor plan of your home
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Identify all possible exits
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Mark two escape routes from each room
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Note features that could help with escape, such as windows, doors, porches, or nearby trees
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Decide who will assist children, older adults, or family members with mobility challenges
Once your plan is complete:
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Make sure everyone understands it
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Practice your escape plan regularly
Visible house numbers are critical during emergencies. The House Numbering By-law requires residential properties to display a clearly visible number at the front of the home.
Proper house numbering helps emergency responders locate your address quickly.
Learn more about house numbering requirements in Programs and Services.
Home sprinkler systems can help extinguish fires before they spread, reduce property damage, save lives, and may lower insurance premiums. Installing a sprinkler system adds an extra layer of protection to your home.
Home fire safety inspections help ensure your home meets the requirements set out in the Ontario Fire Code.
During an inspection, fire prevention staff identify potential fire hazards, review code compliance, and provide guidance to improve fire safety and preparedness. Contact MFRS to schedule a home inspection.
If a fire starts in your home, your safety comes first. Once you are safe, call 9-1-1.
If you encounter smoke or fire:
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Stay low, as smoke rises
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Avoid opening doors or windows that show signs of heat or smoke
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Stop, drop, and roll if your clothing catches fire
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Do not re-enter the building for any reason
Understanding common fire causes can help prevent future incidents.
Common causes of house fires include:
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Careless smoking
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Improperly installed or poorly maintained wood stoves
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Faulty wiring
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Unattended cooking equipment