AMA Insurance is urging Albertans to take extra care when heating their homes. (Photo: AMA)

By Sarah Jones

House-fire deaths more than double between December and March, AMA urging caution

Jan 24, 2023 | 1:05 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – According to Statistics Canada, there are typically 220 fire-related deaths in Canada each year.

The findings determined that the colder months saw twice as many unintentional residential fire-related death on average, between December and March, compared to the warmer months.

Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Insurance reports that the largest number of fatalities occur during the month of January.

Julie Pawlychyn, Claims Manager with AMA Insurance says, “The common things we do to stay cozy can also be the riskiest.”

“Plugging in a space heater, lighting the fireplace, or using scented candles can all be fire hazards if precautions aren’t taken,” she adds.

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In Canada, residential fires are the leading type of unintentional fire-related death.

It is recommended that Canadians have a clear and well-practiced escape plan, a suitable number and placement of working smoke alarms and a working fire extinguisher in their home.

AMA also shared a handful of tips to prevent a possible fire hazard:

• Never leave a space heater unattended, and keep it at least one metre away from any combustibles
• Always blow out candles before leaving the house or going to sleep, and keep them out of reach of children and pets
• Have your furnace regularly serviced to ensure it’s not leaking carbon monoxide
• Keep your roof clear of debris and cover the chimney with a spark arrestor
• Open a window if your fireplace doesn’t have its own air intake

To see the full “Circumstances surrounding unintentional fire-related deaths, 2011 to 2020” report, head to the Statistics Canada website.

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