New safety requirements for Carbon Monoxide alarms were implemented for Ontario residential buildings on January 1, 2026. The Ontario Fire Marshal's office explains the changes in the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Rules.
Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Division, located in Station 2 at 44 McCarthy Road West, is responsible for fire code inspections, compliance, and property record services within the community.
The division conducts inspections for bed and breakfast and short-term rental accommodations, as well as inspections for compliance with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for licensing purposes. Property record searches are also completed to support real estate transactions and information requests.
For service inquiries or to request a property record search, please contact the Fire Department Prevention Division by phone 519-271-0250 ext. 7230, or e-mail Fire Prevention.
Home Fire Safety Program
The Home Fire Safety Program promotes safe living by helping residents ensure they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes.
Fire prevention staff provide education and awareness on the proper installation, testing, and maintenance of alarms in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code. Working smoke and CO detectors are essential for early warning, providing critical time to safely escape in the event of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
The program may include home visits, safety checks, and guidance for residents, with a focus on improving overall home fire safety and reducing preventable risks. Residents are encouraged to regularly test alarms, replace batteries as needed, and ensure devices are replaced according to manufacturer recommendations.
For questions, please contact the Fire Prevention Division by calling 519-271-0250 ext. 7230, or e-mail Fire Prevention.
Smoke alarms help save lives by providing early warnings to evacuate in the case of a fire. It is the law to have working smoke alarms on every level and outside of sleeping areas. Guidance on selecting and maintaining smoke alarms is available through the Government of Canada's Fire safety in your home page. You can also visit Ontario.ca for provincial requirements and additional safety recommendations.
Simple steps can make a life-saving difference in your home. Residents are encouraged to follow basic fire safety practices such as testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, keeping exits clear, planning and practicing a home escape plan, and being cautious in the kitchen and around heating equipment.
For more detailed guidance and official recommendations, visit the Ontario government's Fire safety at home page.
City of Stratford Fire By-laws
Select the link below to read the City of Stratford fire by-laws.
- Fireworks By-law (PDF) - prohibits and regulates the sale of fireworks and the setting off of fireworks in the City of Stratford.
- Open Air Burning By-law (PDF) - regulates the setting of open fires, including establishing the times during which open fires may be set.
- Identification of Truss and Lightweight Construction By-law (PDF) - regulates commercial and industrial buildings including multi-family residential occupancies of three or more units using truss type and/or lightweight construction to be identifiable to alert fire suppression crews.
- Accommodation Licensing By-law (PDF) - regulates short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts.
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