Owner and tenant face carbon monoxide related charges

The owner of the property at 160 West St. N., Orillia has been charged with two counts for failing to install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm adjacent to a sleeping area. A tenant of the same apartment building has also been charged for disabling a CO alarm. The charges come as a result of the investigation into an incident by the Orillia Fire Department.

On March 19, 2014 the Orillia Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call for the report of residents of the apartment building having symptoms consistent with CO poisoning. Residents were evacuated from the building where extremely high levels of CO were measured. Three residents were evaluated by paramedics and one occupant attended Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

“The occupants of this building are extremely lucky to be alive,” said Orillia Fire Chief Ralph Dominelli. “Recently there have been multiple deaths attributed to CO poisoning in Ontario.  Today’s incident shows once again the importance of having properly installed and maintained CO alarms on every storey of the home.”

Often called the silent killer, CO is an invisible, odourless and colourless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane and oil) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn these fuels can be sources of carbon monoxide.  These appliances must be maintained and serviced by a qualified person.

The penalty upon conviction under the Orillia Municipal Code Chapter 920 “Carbon Monoxide Alarm” is a $235 fine. Homeowners, landlords and tenants each have a responsibility to keep carbon monoxide alarms in operating condition where they are required.  Lives depend on it.

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Ralph Dominelli                                              
Fire Chief
Orillia Fire Department
705-325-5215
rdominelli@orillia.ca

Jennifer Ruff
Manager of Communications
705-325-8929
705-238-9209 (cell)
jruff@orillia.ca