In 2024, the City of Windsor recorded nearly 300 building fires, several of which claimed the lives of residents. New Fire Chief Jamie Waffle is urging residents to make installing smoke detectors a top priority.
Jamie Waffle officially took office on January 1, the day after two deadly fires marked the end of 2024.
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services reports that during this time, crews responded to four major fires in just two days. They note that only one of the four residences, including two high-rise apartments and a condominium complex, had a working smoke detector.
Two lives were tragically lost in these fires, including that of a 71-year-old woman who did not have a working smoke detector outside her room at her Sandwich Street complex.
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A working smoke detector has a steady green indicator light.
Photo: - / Noémie Moukanda
The installation of smoke detectors is essential
According to Waffle, the number of fires in high-rise buildings has seen a significant increase over the past year. He is committed to continuing to emphasize fire safety, just like his predecessor, former chief Stephen Laforet, particularly regarding the importance of smoke detectors.
It is imperative
he insists.
We consistently see increases in fires and deaths occurring in homes and residents who do not have a working smoke detector. There is absolutely a correlation between the two.
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Jamie Waffle officially took over as fire chief in Windsor, Ontario on January 1, 2025.
Photo : - / Amy Dodge/CBC
The fire chief emphasizes that there is nothing more crucial for fire prevention than having a working detector, recalling that legislation on smoke detectors has been in force since 2006.
Whether you are a homeowner or a resident, it is mandatory to have working smoke detectors in your home.
With information from CBC News
