Calgary, AB,
16
October
2013
|
09:42
America/Denver
2012 Mission fire results in maximum fines for owner
For a second time within a week, a Court of Queen’s Bench judge has ruled that someone entrusted with the care of tenants was in violation of the Alberta Fire Code. The October 11th court ruling found the property owner of a local rooming house accountable for seven violations resulting in $105,000 in fines.
A fire that took place September 12, 2012 in the 300 block of 25th Avenue S.W. resulted in one death caused by smoke inhalation.
“This is obviously the most extreme consequence of landlords not acting in the best interest of their tenants,” said Ed Kujat, Fire Marshal, Calgary Fire Department. “We want to remind landlords as well as building owners and operators of their responsibility in ensuring the safety of their tenants.”
The fire resulted in numerous charges being laid by Calgary Fire Department Fire Safety Codes Officers. Smoke alarms were not installed or maintained in each bedroom, fire extinguishers were not present on each level and there was no interconnected smoke alarm system.
Earlier last week the owner of the Shamrock Hotel was found in violation of two fire code counts as a result of a fire in August 2012. The penalty for these violations resulted in fines of $30,000.
“While much work has been done in the way of building owner outreach and education with regards to Fire Code building safety requirements and other recent changes, we still continue to find violations,” said Fire Marshal Kujat.
The Alberta Fire Code (2006) outlines the minimum standards that business and building owners must maintain. The maximum penalties for charges in this instance were applied as set out by the Alberta Fire Code for violations occurring before Dec. 31, 2012. Penalties for violations have gone up significantly for offences occurring after Dec. 31 2012 – from a maximum penalty of $15,000 per offence, now up to a new maximum of $100,000 per offence.
The Calgary Fire Department enforces provincial fire codes to uphold citizen rights to live in safe dwellings within fire safe communities. Members of the Department continually work to reduce injuries and fatalities through its inspection, prevention and public education programs.
To learn more about the Alberta Fire Code or Building Owner’s Responsibilities for Fire Safety Equipment, visit Calgary.ca.
Earlier last week the owner of the Shamrock Hotel was found in violation of two fire code counts as a result of a fire in August 2012. The penalty for these violations resulted in fines of $30,000.
“While much work has been done in the way of building owner outreach and education with regards to Fire Code building safety requirements and other recent changes, we still continue to find violations,” said Fire Marshal Kujat.
The Alberta Fire Code (2006) outlines the minimum standards that business and building owners must maintain. The maximum penalties for charges in this instance were applied as set out by the Alberta Fire Code for violations occurring before Dec. 31, 2012. Penalties for violations have gone up significantly for offences occurring after Dec. 31 2012 – from a maximum penalty of $15,000 per offence, now up to a new maximum of $100,000 per offence.
The Calgary Fire Department enforces provincial fire codes to uphold citizen rights to live in safe dwellings within fire safe communities. Members of the Department continually work to reduce injuries and fatalities through its inspection, prevention and public education programs.
To learn more about the Alberta Fire Code or Building Owner’s Responsibilities for Fire Safety Equipment, visit Calgary.ca.
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