Tenants Charged for Disabling Smoke Alarm

Four Halton Hills tenants residing in apartments on Maria Street and Church Street in Acton were recently charged with violations under the Ontario Fire Code for intentionally disabling their smoke alarms and making them inoperable. The fine for this violation including victim surcharge is $235.00.

The Halton Hills Fire Department would like to remind everyone that smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained on each level of their home, including the basement and outside each sleeping area.

This not only applies to residential single family homes but also to owners and tenants of multi-unit dwellings. Landlords must provide and maintain working smoke alarms in rental units and it is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the smoke alarms in any way. Disabling an alarm not only puts the residents of the apartment at risk but also others in the building by removing the early warning required to safely exit a building in the event of a fire.

Fire Chief Brent Marshall says “With Fire Prevention Week beginning October 9 and this year’s theme being Protect Your Family from Fire, this a good time to remind residents that smoke alarms are our first line of defense against fires. Working smoke alarms and an escape plan will help keep your family safe from fire”.

Steam from the shower or cooking using the oven, stove or toaster can cause smoke alarms to activate. If these types of nuisance alarms occur, do not remove the battery or disable the smoke alarm. There are several options you can try to reduce nuisance alarms:

• Relocate the alarm. Sometimes moving the alarm just a few inches can make the difference.
• Install a smoke alarm with a pause button that will allow you to temporarily silence the alarm.
• Replace alarms located near kitchens with photo-electric types.

Mayor Rick Bonnette says, “Whether a homeowner, landlord or tenant, it is important to have working smoke alarms in all our homes. Time is precious when a fire starts and working smoke alarms will give everyone the precious time required to safely escape a fire in your home”. The Halton Hills Fire Department Prevention staff would be happy to discuss the requirements of smoke alarms with landlords, tenants and homeowners. Should you have any questions or require any assistance with these requirements please call 905-877-1133

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