Every year in Ontario, fire departments respond to thousands of workplace-related fire incidents — many of which could have been prevented or mitigated with proper planning and staff training.
While most employers understand the need for fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, fewer realize that under Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code, many workplaces are legally required to have a Fire Safety Plan in place. This includes having trained Fire Wardens, clear evacuation procedures, and regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in a real emergency.
The Mississauga Office Fire: A Preventable Crisis
In the fall of 2022, a small electrical fire broke out in a lower-level utility room at a commercial office tower in Mississauga. The fire itself was minor — isolated to a single room — but the response from staff revealed deep flaws in the building’s emergency preparedness.
• Staff did not evacuate immediately. Many thought it was just another drill and waited for confirmation before reacting.
• No Fire Wardens were assigned or trained. As a result, no one was responsible for checking rooms, guiding staff, or assisting people who needed help.
• Some employees used elevators, putting themselves at greater risk.
• Others returned to their desks to retrieve laptops, bags, or personal items.
• There was no roll call or headcount, leaving firefighters uncertain whether anyone was trapped or unaccounted for.
Smoke quickly filled part of the building. Although the fire was extinguished in less than 15 minutes, emergency services spent much longer managing the evacuation and sorting through confusion.
One staff member suffered a twisted ankle while descending the stairs, while two others were treated by EMS for light smoke inhalation. The building management was later fined for not having a compliant Fire Safety Plan and failing to meet staff training obligations.
What Is a Fire Safety Plan?
A Fire Safety Plan is a detailed document required by the Ontario Fire Code for many types of buildings and workplaces. It outlines:
• Emergency procedures to follow in case of fire
• Evacuation protocols and floor plans
• Roles and responsibilities of Fire Wardens and supervisors
• Use and maintenance of fire protection equipment
• Procedures for assisting people with disabilities
• Training and drill schedules for employees
The plan should be customized to your facility, easily accessible, and reviewed regularly. Just as importantly, staff should be trained and confident in executing the plan under pressure.
Why This Matters
When emergencies happen, people don’t rise to the occasion — they fall back on their training. If there is no training, confusion takes over. That’s when injuries happen, and that’s when lives are put at risk.
Fire safety is not about fear — it’s about preparedness. Ensuring your team knows how to respond calmly and effectively in a fire emergency isn’t just smart — it’s required.
A Note from Firehouse Training
At Firehouse Training, we work with Ontario employers to review, update, and deliver fire safety training in line with provincial code. From creating fire plans to offering evacuation and extinguisher training, we’re here to support your team’s safety and confidence.
Learn more at www.firehousesafetytraining.com or contact us at info@firehousetraining.ca
