Guelph Fire targeting fire code violators with hefty fines, jail time
Posted May 7, 2025 04:25:00 PM.
Last Updated May 7, 2025 04:25:06 PM.
The Guelph Fire Department (GFD) has adopted a “zero tolerance” approach to those who fail to have working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their homes.
This comes after several fatal fires in the community last year. GFD reports there were seven fire-related deaths between March 2024 and March 2025, noting that in most cases, there were no working alarms in the dwelling.
In a media release, GFD said its fire prevention officers have laid charges against property owners who violated the Ontario Fire Code by failing to have working fire and CO alarms on their properties. In fact, the same landlord was charged twice for violations at separate properties. Those fines topped $7,500.
The fire code states that property owners are responsible for making sure there are working fire alarms on every level of a residence, and there have to be working CO detectors near all sleeping areas.
Penalties for violating the fire code could reach $50,000 and lead to jail time.
Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Tony Sabatini said in the release, “We are reminding everyone how important it is to follow the Ontario Fire Code regulations about having smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your homes.”
He added, “This isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about saving lives. This crackdown is meant to get people to wake up. A working alarm is a critical early warning system that can help prevent property damage, injuries, and even death in the event of a fire or CO leak, which often happen when people are sleeping. Let’s all work together to protect our community. Remember, safety starts at home”
Last year saw 111 fire-related deaths in Ontario, according to the Office of the Fire Marshall.
