Fire prevention minimizes the risk of fire-related loss of life and property by eliminating hazards and enforcing necessary safety regulations. The Oak Bay Fire Department’s program includes fire investigations, building inspections, code enforcement, and public education.
Fire Safety Tips
- Fire Inspections: Fire Department inspectors conduct scheduled safety inspections in public, commercial, and multi-family properties.
- Smoke Alarms: Ensure proper installation and regular testing of smoke alarms. Many fire deaths occur in homes with non-working or absent alarms.
- Fire Escape Planning: Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with two exit routes for every room. Hold fire drills, especially at night, and designate a safe family meeting spot.
- Find more general safety tips
BBQ Safety
- Ensure compliance with local fire restrictions. Properly maintain gas barbecues, checking for leaks using a soap/water solution. Always check gas cylinder for rust or damage.
- Use the barbecue on a firm, level surface, away from combustibles. Keep children away and have a fire extinguisher or water supply nearby.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct start up and shut down procedures: Light it right and shut it down safely.
Dryer Safety
- Regularly clean lint filters.
- Refer to manufacturers owners manual to ensure proper dryer maintenance to avoid fire risks.
Senior Safety
- Seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing should consider purchasing flashing or vibrating smoke alarms.
- Update escape plans with their current capabilities in mind and practice them. Keep hallways and stairs uncluttered. Instruct seniors to call 911 from a neighbor’s house, and not to go back inside their home. If they cannot leave on their own, they should still dial 911. Place a telephone beside the bed, as well as slippers, house keys, eyeglasses and a flashlight.
- If your loved ones smoke, stress that they must never smoke in bed. When they are finished smoking, have them soak the ashes in water before discarding them. Advise them never to leave smoking materials unattended, and ensure that they collect them in large, deep ashtrays.
- Cooking fires are the number one cause of fire injuries among older adults. Never leave cooking food unattended and iIf they need to step away, they should turn off the stove. Keep lids nearby so that if the pan catches fire, they can carefully slide the lid on it and turn off the stove. Mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and check the pressure gauge monthly. Also, remind seniors not to wear loose clothing when cooking: a dangling sleeve can easily catch fire. Keep towels and potholders away from the stove. Clean the exhaust hood and the duct over the stove regularly.
- Have the furnace and chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of winter. Keep newspapers, rags, and other combustible materials away from the furnace, hot water heater, or space heater. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture, at least three feet from space heaters. Watch for electrical overload signals such as dimming lights when a heating appliance goes on; call a qualified electrician if this occurs. Stress that the oven should never be used as a heater if the house feels too cold or the furnace goes off.
- For festive decor, choose CSA approved electric lights. In preparation for an emergency, place flashlights in key locations, for example, beside the bed, favorite chair, and in the kitchen.
Candle Safety
- Never leave candles unattended. Keep them away from flammable items and children/pets. Use sturdy candleholders and extinguish candles before sleep or leaving the room.
Outdoor Fires
- Outdoor fires, including backyard burning and beach fires, are not permitted in Oak Bay. A fire fuelled solely by propane, natural gas or charcoal briquettes, may be permitted, subject to applicable local and provincial regulations.
Fireworks
- No person may offer for sale, sell, give or trade fireworks within the Municipality.
- No person may possess fireworks within the Municipality unless that person holds a fireworks permit issued under this Bylaw.
- No person may discharge fireworks within the Municipality unless authorized by a fireworks permit issued under this Bylaw.
No fireworks permit shall be issued except in connection with a special community event which Council has determined to be for the benefit of the community at large.
House Number Display
- Numbers must be of adequate size to be clearly legible from the street.
- Contrasting background colors should be used.
- Numbers must be unobstructed by shrubs, trees, and building features.
- Conduct a “self test” – stand across the street from you house at night. Can you clearly see and understand your address numbers?
- We recommend illuminating your address at night.
- It is important that long driveways, lanes etc., be clearly marked for easy identification.
Oil Tanks
We recommend that you contact the Oak Bay Fire Department at 250-592-9121 if you have questions regarding underground oil storage tanks for a specific property.
The CRD has created a helpful guide that highlights what you need to know about maintenance, spill response and insurance.