Fire Protection Plan

What you need to know to protect your cabin

Fire Protection Resources

Here are some helpful resources to guide you when making your fire protection plan

Keeping yourself prepared

As we enter the summer months, the risk of forest fires increases. It is important to remain vigitant, and to have a plan for your cabin to reduce to both natural and manmade fires. We also encourage you to refer to resources provided by the Cree Health Board and Social Services of James Bay as well as the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU).

The departments of Environment and Remedial Works and Capital Works and Services have prepared a resource to help you establish a fire protection plan for your cabin. This plan is an essential part of ensuring that your family and cabin are ready for the upcoming fire season, and that your cabin has the right tools and layout to be fire safe.

  • Wood Stoves

    • Place cement blocks underneath an airtight stove.
    • Clean chimney stove regularly.
    • Leave a 36-inch clearance between the top of the stove and the ceiling and between the walls.
    • Keep stove area clear of clutter.
    • Do not hang items to dry above the stove such as clothing, wet socks, scarves, ski pants, boot duffles or gloves.
  • Fire Protection Items

    • Install a smoke detector on the ceiling, check the batteries regularly.
    • Install a carbon monoxide detector 6 inches from the floor as propane leaks stay low to the floor.
    • Have on hand a 10-lb. fire extinguisher.
    • Invert and shake fire extinguishers on a regular basis to prevent the dry chemicals from packing in the fire extinguisher.
  • Quick Exit

    Infographic of a quick exit plan for fire safety

    • A corridor or aisle across a room that leads the occupants of a cabin to an exit must be clear at all times.
    • A secondary exit with a small porch to protect from snow is mandatory on all cabins; a window that opens outward may be considered a secondary exit.
  • Cabin Exterior Preparation

    • Place a 45-gallon drum that has been cut open at the top or a large tub underneath the roof to collect rain water as a source of water for extinguishing fires.
    • Have on hand a water pump and hoses in the event of a fire.
    • Clear around your cabin to remove brush and flammable material and close off the frame of your cabin to prevent smouldering fire from going underneath.