Fire Code enforcement fines in September surpass $60,000

The fire prevention division of Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) continues to inspect and enforce the Ontario Fire Code at properties across the City of Welland. In some instances, fire safety issues and inaction from property owners resulted in several prosecutions in Provincial Offences Court.

In July 2022, Fire Prevention Officers (FPOs) attended the property 204 Bethune Avenue to follow up on a fire safety concern. During their fire safety inspection, numerous smoke alarms were found inoperable in the occupied rental property. On September 28, 2023, the property owners were convicted in Provincial Offences Court for failing to maintain smoke alarms in an operating condition and fined $3,125, including court costs, pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).

In September 2022, FPOs attended the property 38-40 First Street to follow up on previously identified fire safety issues. During this re-inspection of the six (6) unit residential building, a previously issued inspection order to rectify fire safety issues was not complied with, in addition to numerous Fire Code violations. Fire Code violations included:

• Inadequate fire separations.
• Failing to install and maintain smoke alarms.
• Failing to implement a fire safety plan.

On September 28, 2023, the property owner was convicted in Provincial Offences Court for failing to comply with an inspection order and the Fire Code violations and fined $31,250, including court costs pursuant to the FPPA.

On November 29, 2022, WFES responded to 114 Second Street for reports of a large bonfire on the property. The property is a large assembly building often used as a place of worship. Upon the arrival of fire crews, the property owner refused entry to fire department personnel and refused to extinguish the fire. Unapproved open-air bonfires are a nuisance and, if left unattended, can spread to buildings and structures, endangering occupants.

Due to the circumstances that day, a prosecution was initiated against the property owner. On September 14, 2023, the property owner was convicted in Provincial Offences Court for hindering and obstructing an assistant to the fire marshal and contravening the Ontario Fire Code by conducting an unapproved open-air fire, and fined $18,750, including court costs pursuant to the FPPA.

In January 2023, FPOs attended the property at 41 Exeter Avenue to respond to a fire safety complaint. During the fire safety inspection of this rental property, it was discovered that smoke alarms were not installed or maintained in an operable condition. On September 14, 2023, the property owner was convicted for failing to install and maintain smoke alarms in an operating condition and was fined $8,750, including court costs, pursuant to the FPPA.

WFES will continue to inspect and enforce the Ontario Fire Code across the city. WFES provides fire and life safety education in the community, hoping that property owners will maintain their buildings in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. These prosecutions and subsequent fines are serious, but they reflect the serious risks fire safety issues pose in buildings and property. WFES implores all residents to prioritize fire safety where they live and work.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Adam Eckhart
Fire Chief/CEMC
905-735-1700 x2400
adam.eckhart@welland.ca