The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department is advising residents of an important safety reminder following a recent emergency response.

The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department is advising residents of an important safety reminder following a recent emergency response.

Fire crews were dispatched after a 911 call reported a burning smell inside a residence during a recent power outage. Upon arrival, no visible smoke or fire was present.  A wood burning stove in the basement was safely operating in full compliance.  Fire Crews conducted a full investigation and found that due to the power outage, the heat distribution fan was no longer operating, and the odour was caused by accumulated dust and cobwebs from non-burning months. 

As per legislated requirements, Fire Crews tested the home’s smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and found that none were operational.  With no power to the residence and no battery backups installed in the alarms, the home was left completely unprotected. Further investigation revealed that the devices—Kidde CO/Smoke alarm models KN-COSM-IBCA or KN-COSM-ICA—had been installed in 2018, but had been the subject of a manufacturer recall issued in 2017.

The Alnwick Haldimand Fire Department is urging all residents to check their smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are functioning, equipped with battery backup, and not part of the affected recalled models. Working CO and smoke alarms on every level of a home are required by law—even during a power outage. Alarms must always be capable of operating when hydro service is interrupted.

The Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department remains fully committed to public safety and is available to assist residents with questions or concerns about alarm maintenance, recalls, or general fire safety.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ahtwp.ca/fire-bylaw-department
For assistance, call: 905-352-1142
In an emergency, always call 911.