CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — September 3, 2026 — The Cambridge Fire Department is taking its annual fire prevention campaign directly to residents this fall, with firefighters set to visit neighbourhoods across the city to promote smoke alarm compliance, carbon monoxide safety and household emergency preparedness.
Beginning in September, fire crews will go door-to-door as part of the Residential Fire and Life Safety Program, a long-running community initiative designed to reduce preventable fires and carbon monoxide incidents through education and proactive outreach.
The program gives residents an opportunity to speak directly with firefighters about fire hazards, alarm requirements and home escape planning while ensuring households understand Ontario’s requirements for working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
Firefighters Bring Safety Education Directly to Cambridge Homes
Throughout the fall, Cambridge fire crews will visit residential neighbourhoods to provide practical fire safety information and answer questions from homeowners and other residents.
A major focus of the campaign will be ensuring that homes have properly installed and functioning smoke and CO alarms.
“Every year, preventable fires and carbon monoxide incidents continue to affect families across Ontario,” said Eric Yates, Chief Fire Prevention Officer. “The most effective protection is a working smoke alarm, a working CO alarm, and a home escape plan that everyone knows how to do in the home.”
The outreach program is intended not only to raise awareness of legal requirements but also to encourage households to build regular alarm testing and emergency planning into their routines.
Ontario Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
Under Ontario law, homes are required to have a working smoke alarm on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in homes containing fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces, as well as residences with an attached garage.
Residents are encouraged to test their alarms every month, replace batteries when necessary and replace the alarm units themselves according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
The Cambridge campaign comes as updated carbon monoxide alarm requirements are now in effect, making awareness of proper installation and maintenance particularly important for homeowners and tenants.
“With updated carbon monoxide alarm requirements now in effect, we encourage residents to take a few minutes to ensure their homes are compliant and to test their alarms every month. These simple actions can make all the difference in an emergency,” said Yates.
Program Has Operated in Cambridge for More Than a Decade
The Residential Fire and Life Safety Program has been part of the Cambridge Fire Department’s prevention efforts for more than 10 years.
By engaging directly with residents, firefighters can help households identify potential fire hazards, encourage safer practices and reinforce the importance of having an emergency escape plan that every member of the household understands.
The approach places an emphasis on prevention before firefighters are called to an emergency. Working alarms can provide residents with critical early warning, while a well-practised escape plan can help household members respond quickly when a fire occurs.
Monthly Alarm Testing Encouraged
Fire officials are urging Cambridge residents to use the fall campaign as an opportunity to review safety measures throughout their homes.
In addition to checking the location and condition of smoke and CO alarms, residents should make sure everyone in the household understands what to do when an alarm sounds and knows the safest routes for leaving the property during an emergency.
The annual door-to-door campaign also provides residents with an opportunity to ask firefighters questions about requirements that may apply specifically to their homes.
Cambridge Continues Focus on Preventive Fire Safety
The fall outreach initiative reflects the Cambridge Fire Department’s continued focus on public education as an important component of community safety. By bringing information directly to neighbourhoods, the department aims to make fire prevention guidance accessible while encouraging residents to address risks before emergencies occur.
Residents seeking additional information about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide protection, home escape planning and other fire safety measures can visit the City of Cambridge’s Fire Safety resources online. Updates from the Cambridge Fire Department are also available through its Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky channels.