New Fire Code Changes Coming January 1, 2026
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Kawartha Lakes – Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1 to 7, and Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service is reminding residents to check their carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, have fuel-burning appliances inspected, and prepare for upcoming Fire Code changes that will soon expand CO alarm requirements in residential dwellings.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it has no taste, smell, or colour, and is otherwise undetectable without a working CO alarm. Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness — and can lead to loss of consciousness or death. In Ontario, approximately two-thirds of CO-related deaths occur in the home.
New Requirements Coming January 1, 2026
Amendments to the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) under Ontario Regulation 87/25, made pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, will take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes expand the number and placement of carbon monoxide alarms required in existing homes and residential occupancies across Ontario.
Under the updated regulations, all residential occupancies — including houses, apartments, townhomes, cottages, and other dwellings — that contain a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage must have:
- A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm adjacent to each sleeping area; and
- A CO alarm on every storey of the home, including floors without sleeping areas.
The updated Fire Code also specifies that CO alarms are required where air for heating comes from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home, such as a detached utility shed.
“These new requirements are about saving lives,” said Fire Chief Terry Jones. “Carbon monoxide is a hidden danger in many homes. Ensuring CO alarms are installed on every level and near sleeping areas provides families with the early warning they need to escape safely.”
Current CO Alarm Responsibilities
Ontario law already requires property owners to install and maintain CO alarms near sleeping areas in any home with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. The 2026 changes will expand those requirements to include every level of the home.
The law applies to:
- Single-family dwellings and multi-unit residential buildings (low-rise and high-rise)
- Units near service rooms with fuel-burning appliances
- Units adjacent to enclosed parking garages
Safety Reminders
While alarms provide critical warning of a CO leak, homeowners and landlords can further protect occupants by ensuring fuel-burning appliances — such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces — are inspected annually by a licensed contractor.
Residents should also:
- Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
- Check expiry dates; most alarms last between 7–10 years.
- Know the difference between the sounds of smoke and CO alarms.
- Exit immediately and call 911 if a CO alarm activates and anyone is showing symptoms of exposure.
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Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
