Inspections

Municipalities must develop a fire prevention and fire safety education program that addresses their needs and circumstances, as determined by the application of sound risk management principles.

Section 2. (1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act states:
(1) Every municipality shall,

1. Establish a program in the municipality which must include public education with respect to fire safety and certain components of fire prevention; and
2. Provide such other fire protection services as it determines may be necessary in accordance with its needs and circumstances.

Therefore, as a minimum acceptable model municipalities must provide the services listed below. Municipalities may develop a different model for fire prevention and public education services provided they are able to demonstrate that their model meets the mandated requirements of the community’s local needs.

1. Simplified risk assessment
2. A smoke alarm program
3. Fire safety education material distributed to residents/occupants
4. Inspections upon complaint or when requested to assist with code compliance

Property Inspections

Inspections of properties must be done, or arranged for, by the municipality when:

• A complaint is received regarding the fire safety of a property
• A request is made to assist a property owner or occupant to comply with the Fire Code and the involvement of the Chief Fire Official is required by the Ontario Fire Code

Any inspection conducted must include notification of the property owner or responsible person and appropriate follow-up with enforcement, if necessary.

A Fire Code inspection can be initiated by a “formal request” by an owner of a property or by a Fire Prevention Officer. At the time of the inspection the property owner will be directed to take appropriate measures as required to correct violations of the fire code. Directions in the form of Fire Safety Inspection Report. Inspection Order or other written recommendations will be provided to detail daily, weekly, monthly, and annual fire provisions and equipment maintenance requirements. Through a cooperative partnership, the fire department and property owners can also work effectively together to resolve any compliance issue.