Owner charged for failure to provide smoke alarm

Cause of the fire was a flat iron that was placed on a shelf which ignited nearby combustible materials

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE FIRE SERVICES

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On Wednesday, Apr. 19, at approximately 10 a.m. Fire Services responded to a 911 call in the 600 block of Albert Street West. Upon arrival, crews were informed that the fire had been extinguished by the tenant with a portable extinguisher.

Fire crews proceeded to ventilate the home and check for extension. Further investigation revealed the cause of the fire was a recently-used flat iron that was placed on a shelf which ignited nearby combustible materials.

“Alerted by a working smoke alarm, the tenant took quick action and extinguished the fire utilizing a portable extinguisher”, stated SSMFS Inspector Dan Fraser.

”Fortunately, the lower floor smoke alarm notified the tenant of the fire. During the investigation I noted the upper floor level did not have a smoke alarm. As result, a $360 ticket was issued to the owner for failing to provide a working smoke alarm”.

Fire Services would like to remind all building owners, and tenants, there are a multitude of legal responsibilities for both parties under the Ontario Fire Code regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

All of which are chargeable offences under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Please contact SSM Fire Services - Fire Prevention Division, for more information.

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