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On Jan. 11, 2022, the former owner of the rental property at 778 Steele Street, was convicted in Provincial Offences Court for failing to comply with the Ontario Fire Code and was fined a total of $6,250.00, $5,000.00 plus $1,250.00 in victim surcharges (25% of the fine), in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
On Mar. 3, 2021, Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services responded to a fire on the second floor of 778 Steele Street. During the fire investigation several Fire Code violations were observed for not having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
The owner of the rental property was charged with six counts for failing to install smoke alarms, failing to maintain smoke alarms, failing to install carbon monoxide alarms, and failing to maintain carbon monoxide alarms.
The owner plead guilty to three charges:
Count one: $1,500.00 with 60 days given to pay for failing to install a smoke alarm on the second floor.
Count two: $1,500.00 with 60 days given to pay for failing to maintain a smoke alarm on the first floor.
Count four: $2,000.00 with 60 days given to pay for failing to maintain a carbon monoxide alarm on the first floor.
All remaining counts were withdrawn as part of a global resolution.
“We’re thankful that the fire occurred during the daytime when the tenants were awake as there were no working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in the home,” commented Fire Chief Scott Lawson. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. I hope this conviction acts as a reminder to residents and owners of buildings in Port Colborne of their responsibilities under the Fire Code.”
Working smoke alarms are mandatory under the law and any residence with a fuel fire appliance or attached garage requires a working carbon monoxide alarm. Failing to meet these requirements could result in fines of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) per count.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of Port Colborne residents having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services continuously make the safety of our residents a priority and are available to our residents if assistance is required to either inspect or install alarms,” commented Mayor Bill Steele.
Port Colborne residents that require assistance in determining whether their buildings are compliant, are encouraged to call Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services at 905-834-4512.
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