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Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) encourages everyone to make fire safety part of their Halloween celebrations.

Choose battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of traditional candles whenever possible. If you use real candles, place them in sturdy holders and keep them well away from decorations, costumes and areas where trick-or-treaters will be walking.

Decorations should be away from heat sources such as candles, light bulbs and heaters. Also, ensure doorways, walkways and exits remain clear.

Talk to children about staying away from open flames, including candles inside carved pumpkins. Review Stop, Drop and Roll with them: if clothing catches fire, stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll back and forth until the flames are out. Remember, running can cause flames to spread quickly.

As we turn our clocks back this Halloween, it is a great time to replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to ensure they are working properly and ready to protect your family. As of January 2026, Ontario law requires both smoke and CO alarms on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas.

QUOTE

“Make safety part of the Halloween fun. Choose battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of open flames, keep exits clear and place decorations away from heat sources. Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to ensure they are working properly and ready to protect your family.” – Tania Pannunzio, Public Educator, Town of Ajax

QUICK FACTS

  • Most fire-related fatalities occur in homes, many happening in residences without working smoke alarms.
  • You may have less than 60 seconds to escape a house fire.
  • As of January 2026, Ontario law requires both smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas.
  • All Ajax residents should have a home escape plan with a designated outdoor meeting place so that everyone knows what to do if a smoke alarm sounds.
  • Battery-operated candles and glow sticks are a safer alternative to traditional candles and reduce the risk of fire.
  • Extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
  • Do not use candles in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas.
  • Keep walkways clear of decorations and open flames to reduce hazards.
  • Place candles in sturdy, heat-resistant holders that will not tip over or burn.

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