How to Improve Fire Safety at Home
Wise words from Ashley Noganosh, deputy fire chief of the Orillia Fire Department.
By Nicole Keen | Illustrations by Jeannie Phan
Ever since Ashley Noganosh started her career with Rama Fire Rescue Service back in 2001, she’s been dedicated to safety and fire prevention. “I put a lot of my time into public education,” says Noganosh. Now, in her current role as deputy fire chief with the Orillia Fire Department, Noganosh continues to teach fire safety to the next generation. And as the first woman and first Indigenous person to hold the position, she’s also inspiring young minds to dream big. Click on the arrows (below) to learn more about best practices when it comes to fire safety at home.
What’s better for home use: a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket?
How many smoke alarms do you need in your home?
Are decorative candles safe to use?
Did you know…?
After turning off the heat, how should I deal with a kitchen grease fire?
How can you get the whole family involved in fire safety planning?
What’s better for home use: a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket? “Definitely a fire extinguisher. In Ontario, the Office of the Fire Marshal does not endorse the use of fire blankets for consumer or home use, and they consider them a non-essential product, as they kind of give a false sense of security.”
Reminder: Fire blankets require that users learn how to use them correctly before they're needed. Fire extinguishers can be used from 8–10 feet away.
How many smoke alarms do you need in your home? “You need to have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside of all sleeping areas. Effective January 1st, 2026, this practice [is also] required for carbon monoxide alarms. It’s best to use the dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.”
Are decorative candles safe to use? “It depends. Candles are a common cause of house fires, so you... have to try to practice safety with them. Keep your lit candles away from children and pets, and blow out candles before you leave a room. You can also use battery-operated candles if you want the ambiance, but you’re worried about safety.”
How can you get the whole family involved in fire safety planning? “Develop and practice a home escape plan with your entire family. Check that all your exits are unobstructed and easy to use. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children or older adults get out. Choose your meeting place outside, such as a tree or a neighbour’s house. And once you’re out, stay out.”
What’s better for home use: a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket?
“Definitely a fire extinguisher. In Ontario, the Office of the Fire Marshal does not endorse the use of fire blankets for consumer or home use, and they consider them a non-essential product, as they kind of give a false sense of security.”
Good to know: Fire blankets require that users learn how to use them correctly before they're needed. Fire extinguishers can be used from 8-10 feet away.
How many smoke alarms do you need in your home?
“You need to have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside of all sleeping areas. Effective January 1st, 2026, this practice [is also] required for carbon monoxide alarms. It’s best to use the dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.”
Are decorative candles safe to use?
“It depends. Candles are a common cause of house fires, so you... have to try to practice safety with them. Keep your lit candles away from children and pets, and blow out candles before you leave a room. You can also use battery-operated candles if you want the ambiance, but you’re worried about safety.”
Did you know…?
Charging cords and extension cords should come with a CSA-approved label. “The dollar store ones don’t really give out the right amperage, so those can actually lead to fires.”
After turning off the heat, how should I deal with a kitchen grease fire?
“You want to put a lid over it. Water will actually make The grease splash, and then the fire will quickly spread.”
How can you get the whole family involved in fire safety planning?
“Develop and practice a home escape plan with your entire family. Check that all your exits are unobstructed and easy to use. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children or older adults get out. Choose your meeting place outside, such as a tree or a neighbour’s house. And once you’re out, stay out.”
Ever since Ashley Noganosh started her career with Rama Fire Rescue Service back in 2001, she’s been dedicated to safety and fire prevention. “I put a lot of my time into public education,” says Noganosh. Now, in her current role as deputy fire chief with the Orillia Fire Department, Noganosh continues to teach fire safety to the next generation. And as the first woman and first Indigenous person to hold the position, she’s also inspiring young minds to dream big.