Tenant charged after fire in Orillia rental unit

A tenant of 339 St. Jean St. in Orillia is facing smoke alarm related charges under the Ontario Fire Code after the tenant disabled their apartment’s smoke alarm.

“Disabling a smoke alarm can have severe consequences. Smoke alarms give occupants the early warning needed to safely evacuate a building when fire conditions exist. Correctly installed and maintained smoke alarms save lives,” said Jeff Kirk, Orillia Deputy Fire Chief.

In the early evening hours of April 16, 2016, the Orillia Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire in a bedroom at a home on St. Jean Street. Fire fighters arrived on scene with heavy black smoke showing from a second floor window. Upon entering the second floor bedroom they found the fire extinguished. Fire fighters safely vented heat and toxic smoke from the building.

With changes to the Ontario Fire Code, tenants are required to notify their landlord if their smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is missing or inoperative.  Failing to do so may result in charges under the Provincial Offences Act.

The Orillia Fire Department recommends adding extra protection by installing smoke alarms in each sleeping room. For more information on smoke and CO alarm requirements visit http://www.orillia.ca/en/livinginorillia/smokealarms.asp.

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

The City of Orillia is a city of 31,000 people in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website at orillia.ca. 

-30-

Jeff Kirk
Deputy Fire Chief
Orillia Fire Department
705-325-5215
jkirk@orillia.ca