The 519 Podcast

Among the most troubling statistics to come out of Ontario in 2022 was the number of people who died in fires. 

In fact, the number was the highest we have seen in two decades. And it had been growing for years, leading up to 2022. 

From 2010 to 2019,  Ontario saw around 75 to 100 fire-related deaths each year. Then, when COVID-19 hit, people started spending a lot more time at home. 

And we started seeing more people lose their lives in fires.

In 2020, the number was 115. In 2021, it was 125. 

And in 2022, the number climbed to 133. 

So, are fires getting more dangerous or are we becoming more complacent? The answer, oddly, is both. 

This is 133 Dead: Ontario's Tragic Record Breaking Year.