FIRE DEATHS IN ONTARIO UP AS MORE STAY HOME, COOK MORE
May 05, 2020
By Bob Komsic
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There’s been a 65% increase in the number of fire fatalities in Ontario so far this year compared to a year ago, but the Office of the Fire Marshal cannot say how many are linked to COVID-19.
”We do know more people are staying at home these days and therefore the potential is greater for things like cooking fires and smoking,” says spokesperson Ryan Betts, who adds unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is awaiting data from municipal fire departments.
There have been 51 fatalities to date, with 17 coming in March alone.
Residents are also being warned not to use microwaves to sterilize face masks or other personal protective equipment.
Fire Marshal Jon Pegg says microwaves are not designed to heat cloth materials, so there’s a risk of the masks overheating and catching fire.