Fire Chief Ryan Murrell with the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is concerned about the high number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm fines laid in 2023.
He says there were close to 60 fines issued last year, which is nearly double the amount handed out in 2022.
“It’s a little surprising to us,” he says about the increase.
Murrell explains the fire department usually takes an education-first approach with fines being a last resort.
However, if a fine is given, it could cost upwards of $295 for someone living in a residential property. Murrell adds the department will usually offer a free alarm but he says they may take a firmer stance in some cases when there are repeated violations.
Murrell says the fine for landlords could be up to $50,000 and could lead to jail time after repeated offences. He suggests getting in touch with your landlord to test your alarms.
“It is unfortunate that owners who collect rent from others are negligent in respecting the requirements to protect occupants,” he adds.
According to the Ontario Fire Code, there needs to be one smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. A carbon monoxide alarm also needs to be outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, woodstove, fireplace, or attached garbage.
“Fires in homes today release their heat faster,” details Murrell. “You need early warning to get out. You only have about two minutes to get out.”
Muskoka Lakes is one of a few fire departments in the area that offers free smoke alarms. Murrell says it’s part of a program that sees them randomly knock on someone’s door in hopes of helping them stay fire-safe.
“Our effort is to, in 10 years, get everybody done,” he explains.
Murrell says anyone who the fire department hasn’t reached can call 705-765-3156, extension 282. “We’ll come by and do a home safety check,” he says.