A Campbellford landlord has been fined $700 for not having working smoke alarms in a townhouse where a fire occurred last January.
Trent Hills Fire Department laid the charge after their investigation of the Jan. 16 blaze found no working alarms in the unit at 158 Cromwell Street.
The fire department wants to remind all homeowners and landlords that working smoke alarms are mandatory.
“Working smoke alarms provide an early warning that can give occupants the critical time they need to escape a fire safely,” said Fire Prevention Officer Brian Buchanan. “Every residential occupancy is required to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
“Property owners and landlords have a responsibility to ensure the required smoke alarms are installed and maintained in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code.,” he added. “Failing to comply with these requirements can result in charges and fines.”
In this case, neighbours helped the tenants escape from the burning building, the fire department said in a news release.
“Thanks to the quick actions of nearby neighbours, the occupants were able to get to safety before firefighters arrived. Upon arrival, fire crews encountered flames coming from the second storey of the unit and immediately initiated an offensive fire attack.”
“Our firefighters did an excellent job of bringing this fire under control and containing it to the unit where it started,” said Fire Chief Shawn Jamieson. “The quick actions of the neighbours and the effective response by our firefighters helped prevent this incident from becoming much more serious.”
The case went to the Ontario Court of Justice where a fine of $700 was imposed on the owner.
The fire department urges landlords to ensure alarms are in place before new tenants move in and check that they are maintained.
Residents and property owners are reminded to:
Install smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries or alarms, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Develop and practise a home fire escape plan so everyone knows how to get out safely and where to meet outside.