Welland residents are being urged to be more cautious after a spike in fire calls last year.
The city's Fire and Emergency Services responded to over 2,700 emergency calls in 2017, an increase of 119 calls compared to the year before.
Damages in 2017 totalled $3.7 million, a $2 million increase from 2016.
Kitchen fires were the major cause of the increase.
Fire officials note kitchen fires are preventable and encourage residents to set timers and remain nearby when cooking.
Deputy Chief Adam Eckhart also pointing out the importance of homes having working smoke alarms.
Eckhart says, “There were two notable fire incidents where lives were saved by smoke alarms. We couldn’t ask for a better outcome in these circumstances. Working smoke alarms save lives.”
Homes and business are asked to check smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries yearly, and replace battery operated and hard-wired alarms every 10 years.
For more information on fire safety, smoke, CO alarms, and fire safety inspections, visit welland.ca or call Welland Fire and Emergency Services at 905-735-9922 ext. 231.