HUNTSVILLE, ON- Fines to local summer camps over their fire alarms have added up this year.
According to a news release from the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Fire Department, a safety inspection blitz is being conducted during the summer season at camps across the area.
So far in 2019, fines totaling more than $2000 have been handed out for smoke alarms that were not working, or were out of date.
“Only working smoke alarms give you the early notification of fire and the time you need to safely escape,” said Stephen Hernen, Fire Chief of the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Fire Department.
“We have zero tolerance for violations involving smoke alarms and will continue to actively enforce the requirements.”
Owners are obligated under the Ontario Fire Code to ensure the safety of people who rent a home, cottage, or attend a summer camp, regardless of how long they’re staying.
“Every person who contravenes any provision of the Ontario Fire Code and every director or officer of a corporation who knowingly concurs in such contravention is guilty of a provincial offence,” read the fire department’s announcement.
“Failure to maintain a smoke alarm in operating condition is a violation and upon conviction persons may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.”
The MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom reached out to the fire department for information on how many fines have been issued, and at what camps.
While the names of the camps were not released, a total of 12 camps were inspected, with six getting charged. Four of the charges were for smoke alarms not working, while another four were for outdated smoke alarms. The non-functional alarms were $360 each, while the outdated alarms were $250 each.
The names of the camps charged were not released as the prevention department is working with them to correct the problems.