Fire code violation conviction 9 Church Hill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2023

Pelham, ON –   On March 9, 2023, the owners of 9 Church Hill pleaded guilty to 12 charges in Provincial Offences Court for failing to comply with the Ontario Fire Code following a fire at the location in 2022.

On the morning of February 5, 2022, the Town of Pelham Fire & Emergency Services responded to reports of a structure fire at 9 Church Hill, a residential unit with five independent apartments. Fire services responded with seven department vehicles, and 22 firefighters dispatched to assist with the call.

During the inspection of the building, it was confirmed that there were no working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all five of the apartments within the residence. The owners were charged with multiple charges under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, for contraventions of the Fire Code. One owner pleaded guilty to 11 charges and was fined $545 per charge and the other owner pleaded guilty to one charge and was fined $500.

"Property owners are required to ensure their properties always remain in compliance with the Fire Code," said Town of Pelham Fire Prevention Officer Jason Longhurst. "This ensures the safety of occupants."

Working smoke alarms are mandatory under the law, and any residence with a fuel fire appliance or attached garage requires a working carbon monoxide alarm. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) per count.

"Pelham Fire & Emergency Services continuously prioritize residents' safety through inspections and enforcements," said Town of Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner. "This is a reminder that working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives."

Residents of the Town of Pelham that require assistance in determining whether their buildings are compliant are encouraged to call the Pelham Fire department at (905) 980-6647 or visit www.pelham.ca/fire for more information.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Leah Letford, Communications Specialist | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca 

View a PDF of the release here.