Residents of a home on Waterloo Avenue in Guelph, Ontario, escaped a major fire early this morning because they were alerted by working smoke alarms. The Guelph Fire Department reported that no injuries occurred because the alarms gave everyone enough time to get out of the house safely. Fire Chief Steven Goode credited the devices with saving the lives of all the occupants inside the building.
This successful escape follows a difficult period between March 2024 and March 2025, when the city saw seven fire-related deaths in homes that mostly lacked working alarms. Since then, officials have used a zero-tolerance policy for safety violations. Failing to follow the fire code can result in a $360 ticket or much larger fines if the case goes to court.
By law, property owners must have working smoke alarms on every floor of a home and outside all sleeping areas. On January 1, 2026, new requirements under the Ontario Fire Code also began requiring carbon monoxide alarms on every floor for homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Fire officials are reminding everyone to test their alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly. If a home is found without the required equipment during an inspection, the fire department will install the alarms and charge the resident for the cost of the devices.
