‘Happy and safe Chinese New Year’: Reduce fire risks while celebrating traditional Chinese customs

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 28, 2022

As the Chinese New Year approaches, many residents of Markham, one of the Canada’s most diverse communities, are starting to celebrate the Year of Tiger in their own ways. YorkRegion.com spoke with Alex Chan, fire prevention officer from Markham Fire and Emergency Services, to share some safety tips during the holiday season.

Household safety

Along with snow and ice, colder temperatures usher in an increased threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is a colourless and odourless gas that is impossible to detect without an alarm. If you have concerns, Chan suggests hiring a licensed technician for inspection or have your alarm regularly maintained.

For people living in a house, furnace safety is particularly important. Chan reminds people to keep enough space for proper ventilation. As furnaces and hot water heaters are powered by electricity or fuels like oil, there is a risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning if vents are blocked by debris.

There are many fires caused by candles every year. One of the cases Chan investigated last year came after an owner's daughter left the house without extinguishing the candle. Then fire broke out and four nearby units in the townhouses were involved, causing severe damage.

“These living examples are always a reminder to be careful with candles. Keeping it in a container away from flammables like paper and curtains is a cliché, but there are still people who don't pay attention to details and end up in disaster.”

New year food and fire safety

Hot pot and Poon Choi are traditional Chinese New Year’s foods, but when you share a dinner with your family, don’t forget to pay attention to kitchen safety.

“Make sure to use stoves that have CSA logo on it, which means the products have been tested against applicable North American standards requirements,” Chan said.

“If you need an induction cooker to warm up the food, it is best to have the built-in type, otherwise, you probably need a cable with ULC logo on it, to prove it has passed the independent safety testing.”

Many people also enjoy barbecuing during the holidays. Chan warns people to put the propane cans or tanks away from the house, and not to barbecue in the garage.

With Ontario’s plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Jan. 31, which falls on the eve of Chinese New Year, a lot of people may choose to eat out or order takeout food. “I would like to remind you not to park on the fire route when you pick up the food,” Chan said.

“I often see people pulling up on the road with flashlights on and going to pick up takeout. It will definitely delay the response time for us when accidents take place,” he explains. “Even with a double flash and a short stop, you'll still get a traffic ticket for it.”

Embrace traditional customs while staying safe

“I know that for many people, setting off fireworks is an essential New Year's custom, but in Canada, there are only two days of the year when fireworks are legally allowed -- July 1 and Victoria Day. All other days must be (done through a) pre-approved licence.” For Markham residents, Chan’s advice is to apply at least two weeks in advance.

Burning paper money and incense is also a custom unique to Chinese New Year. “These are traditions that deserve respect, but you'd better carry them outdoors because there might be risks of smoke injuries. Also, keep paper money and incense in containers with lids and don't walk away while they are still burning,” Chan added.

As for traditional lanterns, he encourages people to use electric light bulbs instead of candles, as sky lanterns are safety hazards. After it flies into the sky, it will eventually fall, and it may fall on the roof of other people's homes. The inside of the lantern is full of combustibles, which may cause a fire.