Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is launching the 12th round of the Stay Fire Smart campaign, running from now until August 28. Throughout the summer, fire crews will be visiting neighbourhoods in Newmarket and Aurora to raise awareness about the importance of having and practicing a home fire escape plan and to remind residents that it is legally required to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of your home.
“Education and prevention are our strongest tools in reducing emergencies, yet many people don’t realize the simple actions they can take to protect themselves and their families,” says CYFS Fire Prevention Officer Ryan Schell. “The Stay Fire Smart campaign brings straightforward, accessible information right to residents, along with experts who can guide them in making their homes safer.”
Fire crews, along with dedicated Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists, will be going door-to-door to talk about fire safety. They will provide and/or install free batteries, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and complete compliance checks. Staff will follow up with homes that were previously found to lack proper fire safety measures to ensure that required safety devices, such as legally mandated smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, have since been installed. Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists will also be educating residents on safe battery use and disposal through a partnership between Call2Recycle and CYFS.
In addition to home visits, the Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists will be out in the community at events in Aurora and Newmarket, such as the recent Tim Hortons Canada Day and upcoming Moonlight Movies presented by TD in Newmarket, Movies in the Park and the CYFS Annual Open House in Aurora. Be sure to say hello!
Beyond enhancing community safety, the Stay Fire Smart campaign plays a significant role in supporting the professional development of students pursuing careers in fire prevention and firefighting. Many former Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists now have roles in fire services across the province, including 10 who now work on the frontline as firefighters for CYFS.
Background:
The Stay Fire Smart Campaign began in the summer of 2013 with the goal of visiting all homes in Newmarket and Aurora over a five-year period. In 2024 the program celebrated milestones – visiting over 100,000 homes in 10 years.
Facts:
- The Stay Fire Smart program is now in its 12th year.
- In 2025, a total of 12,704 homes were visited. CYFS expects to visit another 12,000 plus homes in 2026.
- More than half (60%) of residents visited in 2024 were aware smoke alarms expire and less than a third of homes (28%) visited had a home escape plan.
- As of 2024, CYFS has visited every single residential home in Newmarket and Aurora twice, completing 101,821 Stay Fire Smart house visits.
- 10 current CYFS firefighters were former Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists.
Residents can request a free fire safety home inspection by calling 905-895-9222. Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists will check batteries, replace alarms, answer questions, offer assistance and help residents create a home escape plan. For more information on Central York Fires Services, please visit cyfs.ca.