Stovetop fire on Copernicus Drive. Tenant fined
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE
FIRE SERVICES
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Stovetop fire results in fines
On Saturday January 26, 2013, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services responded to a stovetop fire in the 100 block of Copernicus Drive.
The fire caused significant damage to the kitchen area and moderate smoke damage throughout the home.
Fire Services investigation determined the cause of the fire to be unattended cooking.
Further investigation revealed the two storey rental occupancy did not have any working smoke alarms.
Consequently, the tenant was fined $235 for disabling a smoke alarm and the landlord was fined $235 for failing to provide required smoke alarm on all levels.
“Unattended cooking is the most common cause of home fires. A working smoke alarm on the main level of this home would have alerted the occupant earlier, giving time to safely deal with the matter,” reported Fire Prevention Officer Rocco Celetti. “A $235 fine is minor compared to the life safety and potential legal consequences of this fire. Homeowners, landlords and tenants have a legal responsibility to ensure that their properties are properly equipped with working smoke alarms on all levels. Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services will continue enforce these requirements.”
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