In Ottawa, fire-related incidents have devastating consequences. According to the Ottawa Fire Services, there were over 20,000 fire-related incidents last year (2024), ranging from small residential fires to large commercial blazes, which collectively caused millions of dollars in damage. Tragically, these fires led to both property loss and, in some cases, the loss of lives. While the numbers are startling, they represent more than just statistics—they are real families, businesses, and communities deeply affected by preventable tragedies. The need for fire safety has never been more urgent, especially as Ottawa continues to grow in both population and urban development.
For homeowners, fire safety involves having the right systems in place, from smoke detectors to emergency evacuation plans. For businesses, the stakes are even higher, with the potential to disrupt operations, jeopardize employee safety, and tarnish a company’s reputation. Whether you're a property owner or a business manager, adopting comprehensive fire safety protocols is a non-negotiable aspect of safeguarding lives and assets.
At Ottawa Fire Safety, our mission is simple: to ensure that homes and businesses in Ottawa are prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from fire-related emergencies.
Robert Viau (President, 35+ years of experience) along with a team of certified professionals and a passion for community safety, will help you navigate the complex landscape of fire regulations and fire prevention strategies. From fire alarm systems to fire extinguisher inspections and safety audits, we provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to your unique needs, offering peace of mind knowing that safety is always a top priority.
What is a Fire Order?
A Fire Order is an official directive issued by fire authorities, typically municipal or provincial fire departments, to address fire hazards or violations that could compromise the safety of a building or property. Fire orders are part of fire prevention efforts aimed at ensuring that all structures—whether residential, commercial, or industrial—comply with fire safety standards, regulations, and building codes.
These orders are issued when fire inspectors or safety officers identify serious risks, non-compliance with safety protocols, or failure to meet fire prevention standards during inspections or investigations. A fire order can be issued for a range of reasons, from fire suppression systems not being maintained to blocked fire exits, faulty alarms, or even the improper storage of hazardous materials.
The Impact on Local Businesses & Homeowners
Fire orders are more than just a set of rules—they are life-saving protocols designed to ensure that buildings, whether residential or commercial, meet the highest standards of fire safety.
Local Businesses: For businesses, fire orders are a crucial part of risk management. They ensure that companies comply with fire safety standards, which helps reduce the likelihood of fire hazards and property damage. Businesses that fail to adhere to fire regulations risk heavy fines, insurance penalties, and, more importantly, catastrophic events that could lead to the loss of assets, revenue, and even livelihoods.
Homeowners: For homeowners, fire orders serve as essential guidelines to protect family members, pets, and personal property. In Ottawa, where many homes are older or built in dense neighborhoods, these regulations ensure that structures are well-equipped to handle fire hazards, such as flammable materials, faulty wiring, or blocked fire exits. Complying with fire orders can significantly reduce the chances of a fire spreading, potentially saving lives and preventing significant property damage.
Examples:
Fire Prevention through Sprinkler Systems:
Imagine a busy restaurant in downtown Ottawa with hundreds of customers dining on a busy Friday night. A fire starts in the kitchen, but thanks to the fire orders that mandated the installation of a sprinkler system, the fire is contained before it can spread to the rest of the building. The sprinkler system activates quickly, putting out the flames and alerting emergency responders immediately. Without this fire safety measure, the fire could have led to significant property loss and put lives at risk.
Residential Fire Prevention through Smoke Detectors and Exits:
A family living in an apartment complex in Ottawa has recently updated their smoke detectors and installed fire-rated doors, as mandated by the local fire department. One evening, while the family is asleep, a fire starts in the kitchen due to an electrical malfunction. The smoke detectors immediately alert the family, and the fire doors help contain the blaze in the kitchen, giving the family enough time to safely exit the apartment. The fire department arrives shortly after, but by that time, the fire is under control and has not spread to the rest of the building.
Evacuation Procedures During a Large Fire:
In a commercial office building in central Ottawa, a fire breaks out on one of the top floors. Thanks to the clear and enforced fire orders, the building is equipped with clearly marked evacuation signs, fire exits, and emergency lighting to guide people to safety. The building’s emergency plan, regularly practiced and enforced by staff, ensures that employees remain calm and follow the established procedures, allowing everyone to exit the building quickly and safely. The fire department arrives with detailed knowledge of the building’s layout and fire hazards, enabling a quick and efficient response. In this scenario, adherence to fire orders and emergency protocols prevents a tragedy.
Common Fire Safety Violations:
Blocked or Obstructed Fire Exits:
One of the most common and dangerous fire safety violations found in our inspections is the blocking of fire exits. This may occur in both residential and commercial buildings, whether it's due to storage of items in hallways or corridors, locked exit doors, or furniture obstructing emergency pathways. Fire exits must remain clear at all times, and they should be easily accessible to ensure that people can evacuate quickly in the event of a fire.
Unprotected openings:
A fire’s ability to spread depends not only on its immediate surroundings but also on how easily it can move through openings, whether they are doors, windows, vents, or even gaps in the structure. These openings allow hot gases, smoke, and flames to travel from one room or area of the building to another, potentially escalating a small fire into a devastating blaze.
Improper or Infrequent Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are one of the first lines of defense against a small fire before it escalates into a larger emergency. However, many buildings, especially older ones, have fire extinguishers that are improperly maintained.
Faulty or Inadequate Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are vital safety devices in every building, yet faulty or inadequate alarms are a common violation
Lack of fire separations:
Without adequate fire separations, a fire can quickly move from one part of a building to another, often through doorways, vents, or ceilings that are not properly sealed or fire-rated. This can escalate the fire much faster than if it were contained to a single compartment.
Improperly Stored Combustible Materials:
Improper storage of combustible materials (such as paper, cleaning chemicals, or flammable liquids) is another common violation. These materials are often stored too close to heat sources, electrical panels, or other potential ignition points. Business owners may also neglect to comply with regulations that require certain materials to be kept in fire-rated storage cabinets.
Lack of Fire Drills or Emergency Response Plans: Many businesses and residential complexes fail to conduct regular fire drills or maintain an up-to-date emergency response plan. This includes:
Not having clearly posted evacuation routes.
Not training employees or residents on fire safety protocols.
Failing to test emergency alarms or fire response plans.
What Ottawa Fire Safety Offers:
Fire Inspections:
At Ottawa Fire Safety, we provide Fire Inspections / Fire Retrofit Inspections to help property owners understand the specific risks their buildings face, and to develop customized fire safety solutions that comply with the building code while maximizing protection for occupants and property.
Fire inspections are not a one-size-fits-all approach—we tailor our evaluations based on the type of property, its use, and its occupancy. Whether it's a commercial business, residential complex, or public space, our assessment process helps ensure that fire prevention measures are optimized to meet the unique needs of the property.
Fire Order Relief:
Retrofits & Construction:
Complete building fire retrofits,
Protecting openings with:
Fire shutters
Fire rated doors
Fire rated windows
Fire separations
Steel fire escape plans & construction
Making units legal / change of use
Plans and Drafting:
Fire safety plans (all documentation, fire safety plan boxes, fire department key boxes)
Emergency evacuation signs
Building signage
Retrofit permit plans
Fire alarm plans
Steel fire escape plans
Change of use plans
Our goal is to help the community by equipping Homeowners and Business owners with knowledge and the right solutions for their buildings. With 35+ years of experience, we humbly assure you our process will be .
Why Choose Ottawa Fire Safety?
Proven Track Record of Resolving Fire Orders
With over 35+ years of experience, Ottawa Fire Safety has built a reputation for exceptional service and extensive knowledge in retrofitting buildings and resolving fire orders. Robert Viau and his seasoned team is committed to ensuring that your property meets all fire safety regulations while providing tailored solutions that enhance safety and prevent future risks.
We are a team you can rely on - no subcontractors
When you choose us, you’re working directly with our in-house experts—all of whom are dedicated professionals committed to delivering top-notch service. Here's why this is important:
Consistency & Accountability: By not relying on subcontractors, we ensure that our clients receive the same high-quality service every time. Our team members are fully accountable for the work performed and are directly responsible for your satisfaction. There's no chain of communication or third-party involvement that can delay service or create confusion.
Personalized Service: Our team builds strong, personal relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your specific needs and provide tailored solutions—something that can be difficult to achieve with subcontractors who may not be familiar with the intricacies of your property or business.
Get in Touch with Ottawa Fire Safety Today!
If you want to ensure your building is protected, compliant with fire safety regulations, and fully equipped with the best fire safety systems available, contact Ottawa Fire Safety.
Call us today at 613-748-6157 or visit our website at Ottawa Fire Safety. We’ll work with you to assess your fire safety needs, provide the necessary solutions, and ensure that your property is secure.
Let us put our expertise to work for you—your safety is our priority.
Commenti