The fire department plays a vital role in the safety and protection of the residents of Gordon/Barrie Island. Fire Chief Addison manages a crew of 20 volunteer firefighters that serves both the municipalities of Gordon/Barrie Island and the Town of Gore Bay. The crew are trained in first aid, emergency service and fire fighting. These men and women are on the front lines of protecting residents from dangers in a very wide array of emergency situations. They are the first responders who keep us safe.

Fire Chief Mike Addison is also the authority for determining whether a fire ban should be in effect during a drought. He consults with the other fire chiefs on the island to judge the degree of danger involved if the foliage is too dry.  

Fire Department (Mike Addison): 705-282-3233

Heating, cooking, decorations and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire in your home during the holiday season and winter months. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season. As the snowflakes start to fall and the temperatures drop, it’s important that you follow these winter fire safety tips and take the proper steps to help make sure your family and home are protected from fire hazards.

December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires, and space heaters account for 43% of U.S. home heating fires, according to the NFPA. Space heaters should be placed a minimum of three feet away from anything flammable, such as upholstered furniture, tapestries, mattresses or bedding, and must be turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep to help prevent a fire. In addition, never store clothing on or around the unit, and never cover the cord or put anything on top of it. Also have a three-foot kid-free zone around space heaters.

When burning candles for holiday lighting, keep them at least a foot from anything flammable, never leave them unattended and place them out of reach of children. An essential winter fire prevention tip is to make a routine to check that all flames are extinguished before you go to bed or leave the room.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, so it's important to know what you can do to help keep your friends and family safe while entertaining during the holidays and winter season (NFPA). The primary cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended stovetops and ovens. If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen and use a timer for reminders.

As decorations come in and out of storage during the winter months, they also come with potential fire hazards. For instance, a report from the NFPA revealed that nearly two-thirds of fires involving decorative lights are due to electrical failures or malfunctions. An important winter fire safety tip is to check light strings for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Also, avoid plugging too many lights into an outlet; overloaded circuits can overheat and cause an electrical fire. In addition, place any festive holiday decorations no closer than three feet from open flames, lamps and other sources of heat.

Having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is a critical fire prevention tip to maintain a safe home for you and your family this winter season. When seconds count, having a fire extinguisher nearby is crucial for fire safety and rapid response. Fire extinguishers should be stored where they are easily reachable and in key rooms where there is a higher risk of fires such as the kitchen and garage. For general fire protection, it’s best to select a multi-rated fire extinguisher such as the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, which is capable of handling most household fires.