List of Ticketable Fire Code Offences expanded

For immediate release (April 8, 2015) – The Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice established new set fines for Fire Code violations related to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, maintenance records, record retention, fire door maintenance and fire extinguishers, many of which came into effect on March 17, 2015. 

“The purpose of expanding the list of ticketable offences is to assist fire departments in enforcing the Fire Code,” said Orillia Fire Chief, Ralph Dominelli. “Building owners and occupants each have responsibilities to ensure their buildings are in conformance with the Ontario Fire Code and continue to remain so.”

Fines relating to carbon monoxide alarm installation and replacement violations come into effect on April 15, 2015. 

Some of these new offences correspond to recent amendments to the Ontario Fire Code.  Tenants of rental dwelling units for example are required to notify the landlord when their smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms are disconnected, not operating or impaired. 

Blocked or wedged-open fire doors are hazards that allow deadly smoke to travel and contaminate access to exits.  Assistants to the Fire Marshal now have the authority to issue a summons or ticket on the spot for these common offences.  Required maintenance records and fire extinguisher violations can be treated in the same manner.

Penalties upon conviction of these ticketable offences under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act now range from $235 to $360, including a victim surcharge and court costs. Penalties under Part III of the Provincial Offences Act for the same offences remain unchanged.  Maximum fines can be up to $50,000 and/or up to one year in prison upon conviction.

The list of set fines can be viewed at the Ontario Court of Justice Web site.  A link to this site can also be found on the City’s website at orillia.ca.

-30-

Ralph Dominelli 
Fire Chief                                                       
Orillia Fire Department
705-325-5215
rdominelli@orillia.ca
 
Laura Thompson
Manager of Communications
705-325-8929
705-826-4399 (cell)
lthompson@orillia.ca