JUDGE FINES HUNTSVILLE LANDLORD $10,000 FOR UNSAFE COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE IN BASEMENT
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
HUNTSVILLE — The Huntsville Fire Department has concluded a lengthy enforcement process involving a multi‑unit residential rental property where a landlord failed to comply with an order issued under the Ontario Fire Code.
Over a period of 10 months, Fire Prevention Officers worked with the property owner to address unsafe combustible storage inside the building’s basement fuel‑fired service room.
They say that despite repeated inspections, written direction, and ongoing attempts to achieve voluntary compliance, they say the hazardous conditions remained unresolved.
And because the stored combustibles created a significant fire risk and could have endangered residents if a fire occurred in the service room, the fire department proceeded with charges.
The matter was recently heard before the Ontario Court of Justice, where the landlord was found guilty of failing to comply with an inspection order and was fined $10,000.
“Combustible storage in a fuel‑fired service room is a serious hazard,” said Steve Markham, Public Education and Fire Prevention Officer. “We always try to work collaboratively with property owners, but when compliance isn’t achieved and resident safety is at risk, enforcement becomes necessary.”
He reminds landlords and property managers that they are legally responsible for maintaining fire‑safe conditions within their buildings, including keeping service rooms clear of combustibles and ensuring full compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
Residents with fire safety concerns in rental properties are encouraged to contact the fire department’s fire prevention division.
The Huntsville Fire Department recently, as of July 1, become independent again ending its shareed partnership with the Lake of Bays Fire Department.
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