Fire Chief Waffle Challenges Windsor Residents to be “Saved by the Beep”

Windsor Fire Chief Jamie Waffle is calling on all residents of Windsor to test their smoke alarms on September 28 as part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. Be prepared to be “Saved by the Beep” with a working smoke alarm — this simple step can be crucial to keeping you and your family safe in the event of a fire.

The statistics tell a sad story. Ontario continues to see a rise in the number of residential fatal fires and fire deaths. In 2025, there were 112 fatal fires in Ontario, resulting in the deaths of 127 people. Many of those fatalities could have been prevented if a working smoke alarm had been present. So far this year, Ontario has recorded 77 fire fatalities.

The numbers may be frightening, but the good news is, you can make your own home safer. "Working smoke alarms save lives, period," said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. "You might have less than 60 seconds to safely escape once your smoke alarm sounds. Now imagine if you didn't hear a beep at all? Being prepared in a fire emergency means having working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas as well as a practised home fire escape plan."

This year's day of action marks the return of the "Saved by the Beep" campaign, with a focus on young adults and students living on their own for the first time. With the assistance of fire departments across Ontario, the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) is providing tools and information to help people make fire-safe decisions and educate new renters about the fire safety responsibilities and obligations of both tenants and landlords.

Windsor is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 by asking everyone to take a minute to ensure that there are working smoke alarms installed in their home. 

“Being prepared for a fire starts with pressing the test button and knowing your smoke alarm works,” said Chief Waffle. “Test alarms on September 28, but make it a habit to test them every month, replace batteries yearly, and replace smoke alarms every 10 years. These simple steps can save lives.” 

Pledge to help keep you and your loved ones safe by signing up for a monthly reminder to test your smoke alarms. For more information about the campaign, visit www.SavedByTheBeep.ca today!

Quick Facts:

• Most fatal fires occur in homes that do not have working smoke alarms.
• Smoke alarms should be tested every month, and batteries should be changed at least once a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years of use.
• Landlords must test alarms annually, after the battery is replaced, and after every change in tenancy. Renters must notify their landlord as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is not operating.
• By law, a working smoke alarm must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas in every home in Ontario.