2020 a deadly year for fires in Ottawa

Nine people have died due to firesthis year in Ottawa, making 2020 the deadliest year for firessince amalgamation nearly two decades ago.

The most recent death was recorded on Monday, when a 42-year-old man was pronounced dead in hospital after a fire in an apartment on Argyle Avenue in Centretown. It was the city's ninth fire-related fatality this year.

"Over the past 20 years, our average fatalities is four deaths from fire each year, so this is the highest number that we've reached in the last 20 years, and is also double our average," saidCarson Tharris, public information officer for Ottawa Fire Services.

• Fatal fires spike in Ottawa during pandemic

Tharris said the pandemic may be partly to blame, with people spending much more time in their homes.

More time at home

"We do know that people are spending a lot more time at home in 2020, and our homeswhether it's cooking or smoking or electrical issues do have fire risks within them," he said.

"When people were spending more time in commercial buildings, those buildings do have more protection systems in terms of sprinklers and fire alarm systems."

Tharrissaid residents should ensure their smoke detectors are working properly, noting other precautions people can take.

"Practising home fire safetyso making sure that heaters, electrical appliances are kept away from any combustibles.If there are people smoking cigarettes, making sure that you're not smoking in bed, or smoking on a couch, and that you're properly disposing of cigarettes," said Tharris.

The cause of the Argyle Avenue fire is still under investigation.

WATCH | Ottawa's deadly year of fires:

The number of fatal fires has reached a 20-year high in Ottawa

4 years ago

Duration 0:52

Carson Tharris, with Ottawa Fire Services, says people are spending more time at home, a factor that may be contributing to the increase in fatal fires in the city this year. A 42-year-old man became the citys ninth victim after a fire on Argyle Avenue on Dec. 7.