Fire Safety and Prevention Service
Fire Risk Coverage Plan
The Fire Risk Coverage Plan is a regulatory document that sets the requirements for fire protection within the territory of the Brome-Missisquoi RCM. Its objective is to identify, assess, and classify fire risks, as well as to analyze existing or planned protection measures. This plan enables the municipalities within the RCM to plan and coordinate their actions in order to optimize the use of their human, material, and financial resources, in accordance with current standards.
For Consultation
Fire Prevention Program in Sutton
In accordance with the Fire Risk Coverage Plan of the MRC, the Public Safety Department of Sutton implements a fire prevention program for the population to reduce incidents and increase the effectiveness of interventions.
Among other things, the department conducts prevention visits to each residence to establish intervention plans when necessary, make recommendations to improve safety, and identify water sources. Prevention activities are also organized in daycares, schools, and senior residences to educate people and conduct evacuation drills.
Fire Self-Inspection
The Public Safety Department has implemented a fire self-inspection program that, through a questionnaire, allows residents to review their own equipment and adopt safe behaviours to reduce fire risks at home, as well as to make any necessary corrections.
It is essential for your own safety to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the self-inspection form. To this end, an inspection visit of certain buildings, randomly selected from compliant returned forms, may be conducted by a member of the Fire Department.
Burning Permit
Before lighting an outdoor fire, you must obtain a valid permit and comply with safety conditions.
The Fire Safety Department may refuse or suspend a permit if conditions are unsafe (wind, drought, etc.).
Do you know the differences between a fire in an outdoor fireplace and an open fire? Check the applicable rules.
Smoke Detectors and Alarm Systems
A smoke detector is your best ally in case of fire. A properly installed and well-maintained detector saves lives and greatly helps reduce property damage.
To avoid receiving an invoice for a false fire alarm, it is recommended that you:
- Have your alarm system regularly checked by a qualified professional.
- Clean your smoke detectors to avoid unjustified activation.
- Program a 90-second delay between alarm activation and notification of your central monitoring station.
- Keep an up-to-date list of your emergency contacts at your alarm control centre.
- Inform your control centre before carrying out any work that could interfere with the system.
- Call your control centre immediately in the event of a false alarm, to avoid the fire department being dispatched.
Fee for a false fire alarm
The Sutton Public Safety Department responds to an average of 125 fire calls each year, many of which are caused by poorly maintained alarm systems, improper programming, or human error.
False fire alarms are costly to the community, as they unnecessarily mobilize our firefighters and emergency vehicles. As of March 1, 2025, the Town of Sutton charges a fee for false fire alarms when firefighters are dispatched to a property and the alarm is determined to be false.
This fee is designed to reduce unnecessary calls to our public safety team.
Learn more about the new measure against false fire alarms, and take the necessary precautions to avoid these fees!
Chimney Sweeping
Creosote buildup in chimney flues poses a real danger to occupants due to its flammable and toxic nature. We therefore recommend sweeping your chimney at least once a year, or more often depending on your usage.
Disposal of Fireplace Ashes
Please be reminded that, according to Municipal By-law No. 222, “It is strictly prohibited to dispose of your wood stove or fireplace ashes in regular household garbage. Anyone violating this by-law commits an offence and may be subject to a fine and liable for all costs resulting from any damages incurred.” Please note that ashes can remain hot for more than three days and may cause a fire in the garbage truck.
While waiting for ashes to cool, you must store them in a metal container with a raised bottom, placed outside your home and away from any combustible materials.
Once the ashes have cooled (at least 3 days), you may use them as fertilizer on your property or dispose of them in the brown compost bin, provided there are no nails present.
Home Evacuation Drill
This exercise is designed for families with children. If your children are old enough, you should create an
- Activate the smoke detector. Evacuate by crawling under the smoke.
- Before opening a door, touch it with the back of your hand to check if it is safe.
- Always close doors behind you.
- Exit immediately without wasting time and do not try to retrieve personal belongings.
- Once outside, proceed to the designated meeting point and call 9-1-1.
- If someone remains inside, DO NOT re-enter, but alert the firefighters as quickly as possible.
- Conduct this evacuation drill at least twice a year.
To contact the Fire Safety Department
Public Safety Department
Fire station
15 Principale Street South
Sutton Quebec J0E 2K0450 538-2290 option 7