Where should I place a fire extinguisher near my fireplace and what size does Ontario code require?

A fire extinguisher should be mounted on a wall in an easily accessible location within 3 to 5 metres of your fireplace, ideally in a hallway or room where the fireplace is located, rather than directly next to the hearth where heat or smoke might obscure it during an emergency. Position it at eye level (roughly 1.2 to 1.5 metres high) so it is immediately visible and reachable without bending or searching, and keep the access path clear of furniture, décor, or other obstacles.

Ontario Building Code does not specify a mandatory fire extinguisher size requirement for residential fireplaces — the OBC focuses on chimney height, clearances to combustibles, and hearth dimensions rather than extinguisher specifications. However, the National Fire Code of Canada recommends that residential properties have at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher (rated for Class A, B, and C fires) rated at a minimum of 5 pounds (2.3 kg) ABC dry chemical extinguisher, though 10 pounds (4.5 kg) is more practical for household use and provides longer discharge time. For fireplace and wood stove emergencies specifically, a 10-pound ABC extinguisher is the practical standard in Ottawa homes.

The reason fire extinguisher placement matters near a fireplace is that chimney fires — which can occur in Ottawa homes burning creosote-laden wood or operating with a heavily fouled chimney — can escalate quickly. A chimney fire produces roaring sounds, sparks exiting the chimney top, and intense heat that can ignite nearby combustibles. Your primary response to a chimney fire is to evacuate, call 911, and let firefighters handle it — do not attempt to extinguish a chimney fire yourself, as it burns inside the flue where an extinguisher is useless and potentially dangerous. However, if sparks or flames escape into the firebox area or onto the hearth, having an immediately accessible extinguisher can help you contain a small fire while evacuating. More importantly, a visible extinguisher serves as a psychological prompt to maintain the discipline around fireplace safety — checking it annually reminds you to also get your chimney inspected and cleaned, which is far more effective at preventing emergencies than the extinguisher itself.

Check your extinguisher annually to ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone, the nozzle is not clogged, and the seal is intact. Most residential extinguishers have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years depending on type and storage conditions. Dry chemical extinguishers can settle over time, so shake the canister gently once or twice a year to keep the powder loose. Keep a second extinguisher in your kitchen (where most home fires start) and consider a third in your basement if your furnace or water heater is located there.

More critically, Ottawa fireplace owners should focus energy on prevention rather than extinguisher readiness. Annual chimney cleaning by a WETT-certified sweep (typically $175 to $350 in Ottawa) eliminates the creosote buildup that causes most chimney fires. Proper firewood seasoning (12 to 18 months to reach 15 to 20 percent moisture content) reduces creosote formation dramatically. Maintaining proper clearances to combustibles around the fireplace, hearth pad, and chimney prevents fires that start from radiant heat or contact with flammable materials. Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home with fuel-burning appliances is legally required in Ontario and far more likely to save your life than an extinguisher — CO poisoning from an improperly vented or leaking fireplace is a silent killer.

If you need guidance on fireplace safety inspections, chimney cleaning, or chimney repair to address serious draft, creosote, or structural issues, fireplace professionals in the Ottawa area are available through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory — they can assess your entire system and help ensure your fireplace is operating safely before an emergency arises.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• The Egress Group Inc
• Gillani Heating & Appliance Care Inc.
• Treka Construction Group
• Nic’s D.U.C.T Works Inc