Carbon Monoxide Alarm Changes Effective January 1, 2026.
The new Fire Code requirements coming into effect on January 1, 2026, will expand CO alarm installation in:
- Existing Homes: Alarms will now be required on every storey, not just near sleeping areas.
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: CO alarms must be installed in all suites meeting certain conditions, service rooms, and, in some cases, public corridors.
- Care Occupancies: This includes residential care facilities and certain group homes, where CO alarms will be required in suites and common areas.
Ontario Fire Code Information
Learn about keeping you and your family safe with Fire Safety Plans, Fire Safety Checklists and BBQ Safety. We also support schools and help young people learn about Fire Safety, including Station Tours and Pumper Visits.
Apply for and find information on Fire Permits, Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Permits. Effective immediately, we will only being accepting cash payments at Station 1. We encourage applicants to use the online payment system.
Learn about Fire Code regulations, and Request a Fire Inspector to visit a business.
Learn about Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, how to contact us, become a firefighter, or learn about the Fire Rescue Master Plan.
Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Division provides the following services:
Complaints and requests |
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One of the major duties of the fire prevention division is to help owners, tenants, or workers deal with fire related problems in the buildings they own, occupy or work in. Inquiries or complaints received are anonymous and will be investigated where warranted. The Ontario Fire Code provides a minimum life safety standard for every building in the city. Upgrading of properties is done on a continual basis to ensure exiting; containment, annunciation (alarms), and suppression equipment are present where required by code. |
Fire extinguisher training |
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Our Fire Rescue team provides fire extinguisher training and conducts practical, hands-on, fire extinguisher training sessions for groups of up to 20 people at one time. The sessions are offered between May 1 and October 31 and are conducted by Fire Prevention Officers. Attendees of this course receive classroom instruction on the classification of fire, types of fire extinguishers, proper extinguisher selection, safe handling practices, and the four step P-A-S-S system of fire extinguisher use. Once the classroom portion of the training is complete, the group will move outside for hands on extinguisher training using our propane fueled fire simulator. Organizers of this training are responsible for providing an acceptable location for the live fire extinguisher training. This location should be a safe distance from any building or vehicle. Organizers are also responsible for providing fire extinguishers for all participants, ideally one for each participant but a minimum of one for every two participants. An indoor area for the classroom instruction is also required. Due to a cost of operation associated with this training, we will invoice a cost recovery charge for this service. The cost is $15 per trainee with a minimum charge of $135 and a maximum charge of $250. To request fire extinguisher training, you can contact us at 625-2764. Every effort will be made to accommodate specific date and time requests but training sessions are limited to staff availability. Fire extinguisher training payment |
Liquor License Approvals |
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For all liquor licenses in the city it is important that the establishments are in compliance with the fire code. Our Fire Prevention Division is commonly requested to review applications. This will also involve a Fire Code inspection. |
Public Education Program |
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The Fire Prevention Division is often asked to speak on various fire safety topics from small groups to very large audiences. We try to accommodate every speaking engagement request and we are often available to speak after our regular working hours.
On October 10, 2017, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue kicked-off Fire Prevention Week at St. Jude Elementary School. Grade 4 students created a video that was played for a gymnasium full of classmates, teachers, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue personnel and Mayor Keith Hobbs on the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire safety. Watch the video St. Judes Grade 4 class
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Senior Smoke Alarm Program |
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The Senior Smoke Alarm Program is an ongoing program available to Thunder Bay residents 55 years of age or older who own and live in their own home. The program is aimed at encouraging senior residents to contact our Fire Rescue department if they require assistance with the installation or testing of their smoke alarms. |
Special Occasion Fire Permit |
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This permit is necessary in the city limits to have a fire that is not used for cooking purposes. If a Special Occasion Fire Permit is requested, we will inspect the area to ensure it meets the requirements set out in the permit guidelines. Some of the requirements include: the distance the fire has to be away from a building; the size of the fire; the water supply necessary; the level of supervision and what can and can't be burned. There is a fee for this permit that covers the duration of the event. All Special Occasion Fire Permits must be applied for at Vickers Street Fire Station, Fire Prevention Division, 807-625-2103. |
The Arson Prevention Program for Children - TAPP-C |
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If your child is involved in fire-play or fire setting, you are not alone. Many children have a fascination with fire. Curiosity about fire is natural, but fire-play is dangerous. In fact, fire is a leading cause of death among children in the home. Sadly, many youngsters start the very fires that injure or kill themselves or others. Big fires start small, many times from a single match, or lighter flame held by a small hand. The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPPC) helps families deal with children who have been identified or are suspected to have been involved in this activity. The aim of the TAPPC is to reduce fire involvement and to promote fire safety among children and youths age 2 through 17 years. This program is effective because it combines fire safety education with an assessment, which provides a more comprehensive approach to the problem of fire setting. What does the program do?When a referral is made by a parent/caregiver or a community service provider an appointment is requested for the child to have an assessment with an outside agency. Based on that assessment, the child may need further support and will be referred to appropriate professionals. In some instances the assessment may determine the need for fire safety education. All information gathered during this program is securely maintained and cannot be disclosed to anyone without signed consent. Family safety tips
For more information call the TAPPC information line at (807) 625-3297. |
Other Duties and Services |
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The following are the other duties and services performed by the Fire Prevention Division:
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FAQs
Am I allowed to set off fireworks on my own property? |
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Firework Displays - The City of Thunder Bay permits residents to set off low-hazard fireworks, for a private display on their own property without the need for a permit on the evening of the preceding day; Canada Day, Civic Holiday (also referred to as August long) and New Years Day from dusk to 12:30 a.m. Refer to Appendix A of the Fireworks By-law for further details. For all other dates, types/classification of Fireworks/Pyrotechnics, locations other than private residential properties, and public displays, a Fireworks Permit is required. |
What is the cost of a Fire Inspection Report? |
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Refer to our FEE Schedule |
Do you inspect wood stoves? Who can I contact to inspect my wood stove? |
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We do not inspect wood stoves unless it is part of a fire investigation. Local WETT certified technicians should be contacted for inspection of residential wood stoves. |
My CO Detector is going off / or has gone off - what should I do? |
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If your CO alarm sounds and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning (flu-like symptoms), get everyone out of the home immediately. Call 911 or your emergency number from outside the building. Refer to Carbon Monoxide Alarms for more information. |
Do I need a permit to have a fire in my backyard? Where do I go to get a permit? |
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Yes, all open burning in Thunder Bay requires a permit and site inspection before a fire permit can be issued. Permit guidelines can be found on our website and at your local fire station. You can now apply online for a Recreational Burn Permit and an Open Burn Permit. |
What do I do if smoke from my neighbour's chiminea is bothering me? |
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We advise you to speak with your neighbour first. If you are unable to do so, contact our fire department. |
I would like to have someone attend my class and speak to the students on Fire Safety. |
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Contact our Fire Service Public Education Officer kevin.anderson@thunderbay.ca to make arrangements. |
Where is the nearest fire hydrant and/or fire station to my home? |
Am I allowed to barbecue on my balcony? |
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Please refer to the Barbecues on Balconies Policy |
What is the difference between the "local" fire department and the Office of the Fire Marshal? |
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The Office of the Fire Marshal is a branch of the Community Safety division of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Their primary function is to minimize the loss of life and property from fire by assisting Ontario municipalities and fire departments in improving their fire protection and fire prevention services. The OFM provides leadership within government and supports the fire service across the province in meeting the needs of the community. By administering the Fire Safety Legislation, the OFM supports the functions of municipal fire departments through a variety of advisory, investigation, training and instructional programs. In addition, the OFM conducts research and advises the Ontario Government on standards and legislation relating to fire protection and fire prevention. Fire departments are established by municipal by-law under the authority of provincial legislation. They endeavour to improve the quality of life through public education and prevention of fire, and provide a fire-suppression force capable of handling emergencies, which may include structural firefighting, pre-hospital medical assistance, traffic accidents, and response to hazardous materials incidents. |
Where can I find a copy of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) and the Ontario Fire Code on the internet? |
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The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and the Ontario Fire Code can be found on the E-laws website. Compendiums of the Code are also available for purchase from Publications Ontario. |
How do I dispose of a fire extinguisher? |
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Fire extinguishers should be disposed of properly and not thrown in with regular household garbage. Fire extinguishers have pressure stored inside and can explode under certain conditions. Most fire extinguisher service companies, which can be found in the yellow pages under fire extinguishers, will dispose of an old extinguisher. However, there may be a disposal charge. In many circumstances the fire extinguisher company will dispose of an outdated extinguisher if an individual is purchasing a new one at the same time. |
How often should a residential apartment building conduct fire drills? |
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The frequency of fire drills is governed by the Ontario Fire Code. The frequency of required fire drills in residential apartment buildings is typically determined by the building's height. In a low-rise apartment building such as a 3-storey with 16 units, a fire drill is required at least once annually. In a high-rise apartment building (which is typically seven storeys or greater) a fire drill is required at least once every three months. |
Are there fire codes for homes converted to separate residential units? |
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If the building was originally a single home and the owner has converted it into separate apartments there are specific things the owner should have done to legalize the conversion. The process includes obtaining various approvals and permits from city zoning, planning, building and fire departments. |
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