Fire crews right across the region say they're seeing a spike in the number of fires they're responding to, some of them fatal and they say the long cold winter may be to blame.
Barrie’s fire prevention officer, Carrie Clark-Weatherup says residents across the region have pushed their heating systems to the limit, and in some cases that has caused them to malfunction.
"Our heating systems have been overtaxed this year, and those technologies are meant to cycle accordingly, so when they over heat and they malfunction, it is a catastrophic failure," she says.
Just a few weeks ago, a home in Oro-Medonte went up in flames in just minutes. Smoke alarms were credited for helping the family of five get out safely, but the family also had an escape plan.
"You only have three minutes to get out of your house if it's on fire; our response time here in the City of Barrie is five to seven minutes,” says Clark-Weatherup. “You have to be responsible for your safety in the first three to four minutes and meet us on the front lawn."
It's an alarming fact that is shocking for many parents. That's exactly why fire officials stress the importance of having a plan in place.
"If you're second way out is to jump out the second story window, have that plan, practice that plan and be committed to it, otherwise if you think that is not going to be an option for you, then we want you to put more smoke alarms in your house, so you have earlier warning."
While the focus is always on kids, fire officials say escape plans are for everyone. They say don't just make a plan for the house – consider other places like a hotel, or family cottage.
