Working smoke alarms save lives in North Bay home fire

A working smoke alarm saved tenants and their pet from a North Bay home fire Tuesday night.

A working smoke alarm is being credited with saving the lives of tenants and their pet during a significant structure fire at a multi-unit residence on Tuesday night.

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services, along with police and paramedics, responded to the blaze on Lorne Avenue just after 10 p.m.

Fire crews arrived on scene in just over four minutes, fire officials said. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy fire conditions in a main-floor apartment, with flames that had already extended into the attic space.

“Crews immediately began an interior attack and searched the entire residence to ensure everyone was out,” the fire service said in a news release Wednesday.

Early warning proves critical

Fire personnel confirmed the early notification from a functioning smoke alarm allowed the occupants of the basement apartment to safely evacuate with their pet and call for help.

The evacuated tenants were assessed by EMS for smoke inhalation but no one required further medical attention.

Fire chief stresses importance of alarms

Local Fire Chief Jason Whiteley emphasized the critical role of the alarms.

“A working smoke alarm gives you a chance,” he said. “A chance to wake up. A chance to run. A chance to live.”

Whiteley reiterated that installing smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas is not just a recommendation – it’s the law.

“Know without doubt your home has a working smoke alarm,” he said, adding that residents should also test them every month.

The Fire Prevention office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire and a dollar figure for the damage has not yet been determined.

Fire prevention and electrical safety reminders

In the wake of the incident, the fire service also issued a reminder on electrical safety, warning residents not to overload extension cords.

They advise checking a cord’s wattage rating, using a separate cord for each significant appliance and avoiding daisy-chaining power strips. Fire officials also advised that cords should never be placed under rugs or through walls, as this can trap heat and cause a fire.