Stay Fire Smart Campaign

CYFS Stay Fire Smart Campaign

Fire Crews Visit Neighbourhoods in Newmarket and Aurora Each Summer

Central York Fire Services (CYFS) launched the Stay Fire Smart Campaign in June 2013 to increase fire safety awareness across our communities. Running annually, this proactive campaign sees fire crews visiting neighbourhoods throughout Newmarket and Aurora, engaging directly with residents on the importance of fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

Fire crews go door-to-door, offering:

• A fire safety information package
• Tips for creating a home escape plan
• Reminders that working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are required by law
• Free home inspections upon request
   

Firefighters emphasize three key safety measures:

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan 
• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas 
• Install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas
   

A 5-Year Goal, Achieved and Renewed

 The original campaign aimed to visit every home in Newmarket and Aurora within five years. By 2017, CYFS successfully reached approximately 44,000 homes. Today, the initiative continues with a renewed goal of visiting every single-family home in Central York on a rotating five-year cycle. 

Embracing Smart Technology

 In 2018, CYFS introduced iPads and the Stay Fire Smart App to streamline campaign efforts and track progress. This technology enables fire crews to:

• Collect data in real time
• Measure outreach effectiveness
• Enhance delivery of fire safety services
   

Special Assistance Available

Designated Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists are available to help residents who need:

• Assistance checking or replacing smoke/CO alarm batteries
• New smoke or CO alarms
• Answers to fire safety questions
   

📞 Call 905-895-9222 to request a visit.
Specialists begin their rounds in mid-June and continue throughout the summer.

• Practice your escape plan with everyone in the household
• Choose a meeting place outside at a safe distance
• Get out and stay out—never re-enter a burning building
   

• Install on every storey and outside all sleeping areas (required by Ontario law)
• Change batteries once a year or when the low battery signal sounds
• Test alarms monthly
   

• Install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas (required by Ontario law)
• Replace batteries yearly or as needed
• Test CO alarms monthly
   

"The ultimate goal of our Stay Fire Smart mission is to ensure people are proactive and prepared in case of a fire," says Fire Chief Rocco Volpe. "Planning ahead can save seconds and ultimately save lives."
"Education and preparedness are critical factors for protecting our families from the threat of fire," adds Chief Volpe. "I commend our team for using innovative tools to keep our community safe."

Central York Fire Services is a consolidated fire department proudly serving the Towns of Newmarket and Aurora, providing fire protection, prevention, and education across both communities.