Ontario is strengthening fire safety with steeper fines and more enforcement options for fire departments.
Amendments to both the Fire Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act came into effect on July 29.
The maximum fine for an individual convicted of an offence has been increased from up to $20,000 to up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for a subsequent offence.
The maximum fine for a corporation convicted of an offence has been increased from up to $100,000 to up to $500,000 for a first offence and up to $1.5 million for a subsequent offence.
Kelly Condon, fire prevention inspector at Orangeville Fire Service says the new penalties now reflect the severity of the consequences of fire safety complacency.
Condon says the fire department doesn’t want to drive around town fining businesses and residents for violations, instead it wants to educate people about the fire code.
She adds that fire departments have one year to file court proceedings if a business isn’t in compliance, giving them a chance to get in line.
