A Huntsville landlord has been fined $10,000 after failing to comply with an order issued under the Ontario Fire Code.
The Huntsville Fire Department said they have concluded a 10-month enforcement process at a multi‑unit residential rental property. During the process, Fire Prevention Officers worked with the property owner to address unsafe combustible storage in the building’s basement fuel-fired service room, which posed a significant fire risk and endangerment to residents.
According to officials, officers conducted repeated inspections, provided written direction, and made ongoing efforts to achieve voluntary compliance, but the hazardous conditions remained unresolved.
The fire department proceeded with charges and the matter was heard before the Ontario Court of Justice, where the landlord was found guilty of failing to comply with an inspection order and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
“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.”
The Huntsville Fire Department is reminding landlords and property managers that they are legally responsible for maintaining fire-safe conditions in their buildings and encourages residents with fire safety concerns in rental properties to contact the Huntsville Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division.
