Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) continues to inspect and enforce the Ontario Fire Code at properties across the city. Fire prevention staff recently concluded several prosecutions in Provincial Offences Court that resulted in fines.
Between February and March 2024, WFES responded several times to fire safety complaints at 76 Division Street. Each time, the fire prevention officer (FPO) found that the main entrance to the five-storey commercial building was chained shut. The FPO told the property owner to keep all exits clear, but the problem continued. As a result of these serious safety violations, legal action was initiated against the company that owns the building. In March 2025, the company was found guilty in Provincial Offences Court and fined $13,500, including court costs, under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).
“Chaining or blocking means of egress in a building impedes occupants’ ability to evacuate safely in the event of an emergency. As we know, occupants often have little time to escape a fire safely, and a chained and padlocked exit can lead to disastrous outcomes,” said Matt Richardson, Deputy Fire Chief. “The Ontario Fire Code prohibits blocking or obstructing exits for precisely this reason, and WFES will always act upon this egregious violation.”
On December 16, 2024, WFES responded to a fire safety complaint at 305 Scholfield Avenue. When the FPO inspected the two-unit residential building, they found there were no smoke or carbon monoxide alarms anywhere in the building. As a result of this significant safety issue, the FPO initiated legal action against the property owner. In March 2025, the property owner was found guilty in Provincial Offences Court and fined $11,250, including court costs, under the FPPA.
“This case underscores the critical importance of installing and maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every residence,” said Richardson. “Ontario has already experienced a record number of fire injuries and fatalities. Missing or inoperable smoke alarms are often a common occurrence in those instances. We need everyone to ensure their properties are fire safe. Landlords also need to be aware of their prescribed responsibilities for fire safety.”
WFES implores all residents to make fire safety a priority. These prosecutions and fines reflect the serious risks fire safety issues pose in buildings and property.