May 3, 2016 – A Hinton Avenue property owner has been charged for failing to install a smoke and a carbon monoxide alarm as required by the Ontario Fire Code. Each ticket carries a fine of $360.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded to a structural fire at the residence on April 22, and quickly brought the fire under control. During the fire investigation, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue investigators discovered there were no smoke or carbon monoxide alarms on the main floor of the home. The occupants were only alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke.
“Working smoke alarms save lives, they give you the valuable time needed to safely escape a fire emergency,” said Deputy Fire Chief Dave Paxton. “If this fire had occurred when the occupants were asleep, the outcome could have been very tragic.
“Thunder Bay Fire Rescue has a zero tolerance policy regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarm violations. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. Only a carbon monoxide alarm can alert you to its presence.”
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds residents that it is the law to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon Monoxide alarms are required to be installed outside any sleeping area if your home has a fuel fired appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage.
