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Candles, Open Flames and Smoking
Safer choices. Safer spaces.
Choose flameless alternatives, follow approval requirements, and help prevent fire hazards in shared spaces.
Open Burn Requests
Request a review of a planned activity involving flame or burning.
Submit an Open Burn RequestContact Fire Safety
Ask about extinguisher safety, equipment concerns, or training.
Contact Fire SafetyReduce Fire Risks
Candles and Open Flames
Candles, incense, and other open flames are prohibited for general use on campus. Contact Western Fire Safety with questions about exceptions or approval requirements.
Choose battery-operated LED candles or other non-flame alternatives permitted in the space.
Activities Involving Flame or Burning
Planning a teaching, research, ceremonial, operational, or event-related activity involving flame or burning? Contact Western Fire Safety to confirm the requirements for your activity and location.
Use the Open Burn Request process where required, and obtain any necessary approvals before proceeding.
Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco Use
Western's main campus is smoke-free, vape-free, and tobacco-free. The restrictions include smoking or vaping cannabis.
The policy includes exemptions relating to Indigenous cultural and ceremonial practices, approved teaching or research, and nicotine replacement therapies. Review the policy for the applicable conditions and details.
Improperly discarded smoking materials can start fires. Do not discard cigarettes, matches, or ashes in planters, garbage containers, mulch, grass, or other areas where they could ignite combustible materials.
Report a Fire Safety Concern
Contact Western Fire Safety about unsafe flame use, improperly discarded smoking materials, blocked exits, obstructed fire safety equipment, or other non-emergency fire hazards.
Include the building name or outdoor location and a brief description of the concern.
For fire, smoke, an active alarm, or an immediate threat to life or safety, leave the area and call 911 from a safe location. Do not report an emergency by email.
Email Fire SafetyHelpful Contacts
Emergency Assistance
Emergency: 911
Call 911 if there is fire, smoke, an active alarm, or an immediate threat to life or safety.
WSCS Non-Emergency / After-Hours Assistance:
519-661-3300
Western Fire Safety
Email: firesafety@uwo.ca
Phone: 519-661-2111 ext. 88053
Location: Graphics Building, Room 123
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.