Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners Pleased with Smoke Alarm Test Results

FIRE MARSHAL-Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners Pleased with Smoke Alarm Test Results

The results of the smoke alarm tests commissioned by Health Canada has put a smile on the face of the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners.

"We have a great deal of faith in the standards setting, testing and certification process used in Canada. It is a system that has worked well for many years and it is gratifying to know that it continues to provide the highest level of service to Canadians," said Robert Cormier, president of the council and Nova Scotia fire marshal.

"The fire service knows that smoke alarms are responsible for saving the lives of a great many people in Canada each year," he said.

Recently, a story on CTV's W-5 suggested ionization-type smoke alarms would not respond well under certain fire conditions. As a result of this report, Health Canada commissioned ULC to conduct tests on the same 11 models tested by W-5. All of the samples were purchased, labelled and controlled by Health Canada officials throughout the testing procedures. The tests were witnessed by representatives from Health Canada, the Standards Council of Canada, the Consumers Association of Canada and numerous fire service organizations.

Health Canada has verified that all of the smoke alarms tested responded well within the requirements of the national standards. Both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms are tested in the same manner and are required to meet the same standard. Both types are designed to afford occupants time to escape should a fire occur in their homes.

"We strongly encourage everyone to have a smoke alarm on every level of their home, and to test and maintain their smoke alarms regularly," said Mr. Cormier. "However, smoke alarms are not enough. Everyone must know what to do when the alarms sound. Every second is critical when your house in on fire."