Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) are reminding property owners to be vigilant with fire safety in multi-family properties after a property owner was charged with several offences resulting in $15,000 in fines.
Between October 2021 and February of 2022, Emergency Services Fire Safety Codes Officers conducted numerous inspections at apartment buildings located at 40 Cardinal Ave and 7156 Parke Ave. After numerous inspections were not complied with, Safety Codes Act Orders were issued to the owner of both buildings, R.K.L Construction LTD.
“When we conduct fire inspections, our top priority is to ensure the safety of residents living in these properties,” said Fire Marshal Tim Kivell, Red Deer Emergency Services. “We work with property owners to identify and correct safety issues. Unfortunately in some cases we must use the legal system to address ongoing negligence that creates unsafe living situations.”
As a result of these inspections, the property owner was charged with fourteen Safety Codes Act violations. On November 23, 2022, R.K.L. Construction Ltd. pled guilty to seven of these charges in Red Deer provincial court, including:
- Failed to comply with order
- Failed to maintain exit signs
- Failed to maintain emergency lighting
- Failed to maintain closures
- Fire Alarm System Records not provided
- Improper storage of combustible materials
- Wedged open fire separation door
The seven charges resulted in $15,000 in fines, however the maximum fine under the Safety Codes Act is $100,000 for each offence and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
RDES would like to remind property owners that they are responsible for ensuring their buildings meet the minimum requirements under the Safety Codes Act and the National Fire Code of Canada 2019 (Alberta Edition), including providing the required fire protection features in residential buildings, not allowing activities that might cause fire hazards in and around buildings, and providing required ongoing maintenance to ensure safety of residents.
Landlords and renters can request information on these safety code requirements by emailing prevention@reddeer.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Red Deer Emergency Services Fire Prevention