Owner charged: failing to maintain smoke alarm

The owner of the property at 329 Nottawasaga St., Orillia, has been charged under the Provincial Offences Act for failing to maintain a smoke alarm contravening the Ontario Fire Code. The charge comes as a result of the investigation into the fire by the Orillia Fire Department.

On Feb. 26, 2014, the Orillia Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call for the report of a fire in the kitchen of a single-storey, single-family dwelling located at 329 Nottawasaga St. Fire fighters discovered a growing fire in the kitchen. They quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the structure.

“Homeowners must understand that it is their responsibility to ensure that all smoke alarms must always be kept in operating condition,” said Orillia Fire Chief Ralph Dominelli. “Failing to provide or maintain smoke alarms where required will result in charges. Smoke alarms, if properly installed and maintained, provide early warning to occupants of an imminent fire danger.”

Charges under the Provincial Offences Act range from $235 for a Part I ticketable offence to a maximum $50,000 and/or one year in prison if charged under Part III of the Act.

Homeowners, landlords and tenants each have a responsibility to keep smoke alarms in operating condition. 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