The cause of a home fire in which a woman had to drop her baby from the second floor window to a waiting police officer’s arms, is under investigation, according to Ajax Fire.
Though the baby suffered minor injuries, the woman – who later jumped from the window to escape the fire – and a man who was found with vital signs absent, are still in critical condition, Ajax Fire said yesterday (see story below).
Early morning of Friday, January 19, Ajax Fire crews responded to a structure fire in a residential home in the area of Rossland Road and Harwood Avenue. Ajax Fire crews on scene extinguished the fire and contained it to a single home.
Fire crews with the assistance of the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) removed three residents from the home who were then transported to hospital. Unfortunately, two of the occupants suffered critical injuries and one had minor injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation, said Ajax Fire.
Working alarms and escape plan
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) gave a sobering reminder to all residents, to ensure that all homes have working smoke alarms and the importance of a having a home escape plan.
“Working smoke alarms provide early warning if there’s a fire. Your best chance of surviving and not being injured in a fire is to have working smoke alarms. Remember, fire and toxic smoke spread quickly, and you can’t smell smoke if you’re sleeping – especially if you’re in a deep sleep! You must make sure that your home has working smoke alarms installed on every level. Please test all smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working and practice your home escape plan,” said Shelley Langer, Ajax Fire Prevention Inspector.
Quick Facts
- Every home in Ontario is required to have a working smoke alarm on every storey, as well as outside all sleeping areas.
- Change smoke alarm batteries twice annually.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Smoke alarms should be cleaned every six months. Open the cover and gently vacuum the interior of the device. Be sure to keep the vacuum nozzle from touching the unit.
- Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Replace units that are over 10 years old.
- Smoke alarms can’t protect you if the batteries have been removed, or a plug has been disconnected.