MEDIA ADVISORY

June 21, 2016

Smoke Alarm Saves Georgetown Family Halton Hills (Georgetown) ON – Working smoke alarms are credited with saving the lives of a family of three at their Jessop Court residence early this morning. At approximately 1:50 AM crews from both Georgetown fire stations responded to a reported structure fire on Jessop Court. Upon arrival fire crews found heavy smoke billowing from the home. The homeowner met the first arriving crew and confirmed that all occupants and pets were out of the home. Working smoke alarms roused the mother but it was necessary for her to awaken her two children, one from the smokefilled basement. The mother provided detailed information on the outline of the home’s layout and the suspected location of the fire. Crews then entered the building and made their way into the basement where they aggressively attacked the fire with hand lines. The fire was declared under control at approximately 2:35 AM with the loss declared stopped at 4:10 AM. Fire damage was contained to the east end of the basement with heavy smoke damage throughout the home. A fire department Fire Investigator found the origin of the fire to be in the basement bathroom ceiling caused by the malfunction of the bathroom fan. Estimated loss to structure and contents is $50,000. Resident Sandra Duff states: “My family might not be here today if it were not for the early warning our smoke alarms provided.” The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every level of the home and near the bedroom area. Mayor Bonnette adds, “This is a perfect example that working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure your home is outfitted properly with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.” If you would like further information on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms please contact Deputy Chief Harry Olivieri of the Halton Hills Fire Department at 905 873-2601 ext. 2102. - 30 For further information contact: Harry Olivieri Deputy Chief Prevention &Public Education Halton Hills Fire Department 905-873-2601 Ext. 2102 Email: [email protected]