Some things you may not know about smoke alarm laws

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE
FIRE SERVICES

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Smoke alarm infractions

Investigation of two fire incidents on Saturday, June 16, has resulted in $235 fines being issued for smoke alarm violations.

One homeowner was fined for not having a smoke alarm installed on each level and in separate incident involving an apartment; the landlord was fined for not maintaining a required smoke alarm.

“Many times we find that landlords have documentation signed by the tenant that indicates a working smoke alarm has been properly installed. In this situation, the landlord had not checked for a few years and had no documentation to indicate the alarm was maintained,” reported Fire Prevention Officer Celetti. “Had the landlord verified the smoke alarm was inspected within the past year, the tenant would have been held accountable. In both incidents the occupants were very fortunate. The result of these fires could have been very serious had they occurred in the middle of the night”

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services reminds all residents that smoke alarms are required by law on each level in all dwelling units.

Landlords should be verifying that smoke alarms are in fact installed and working in their rental units at least annually.

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