Fire Inspections
Fire inspections keep homes, businesses and public buildings safe in Kawartha Lakes. Our Fire Prevention team checks that buildings meet the Ontario Fire Code and works with property owners to identify and address fire safety concerns.
Whether you need an inspection, have a concern about a building or need fire safety information for a property, we're here to help.
Report a Fire Safety Concern
Are you concerned about fire safety in a home, apartment building or business?
You can report concerns such as blocked exits, missing or broken smoke alarms, damaged fire doors, unsafe storage of flammable materials or other possible fire hazards.
Our Fire Prevention team will review your concern. Your personal information will be kept confidential.
For an immediate emergency, call 911.
Request a Fire Department Incident Report
Need a copy of a report following a fire or other emergency?
You can request a Fire Department Incident Report for an incident attended by Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service. These reports provide available information about the emergency response.
You must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner to request a report.
Fees apply.
Request a Fire Inspection
You may need a fire inspection when buying or selling a property, applying for a license or checking that your building meets fire safety requirements.
Fire inspections are available for:
- Property owners and businesses
- Daycares and foster care facilities
- Liquor licensing
- Refreshment vehicles
- Propane Risk and Safety Management Plans
Fire prevention staff complete regular inspections in buildings considered high risk. The Ontario Fire Code requires routine annual inspections of Vulnerable Occupancy including:
- Nursing homes
- Retirement homes
- Group homes
- Hospitals
You must own the property or have written permission from the property owner to request an inspection.
Fees may apply.
Real Estate Fire Inspection
Written authorization from the current owner in order to disclose information is required.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue does not accept Section 8 of OREA Form 100 as authorization to disclose information information in real estate transactions.
Fees apply.
Request a Fire Inspection for the Purchase or Sale of a Property Request a Fire Department Property File Search
Foster Care Fire Inspection
Fire Inspectors will be looking for the following:
- Working smoke alarms on every storey of the home including the basement
- Working smoke alarm in the bedroom(s) where children will be sleeping
- Working carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to all sleeping areas if the home has fuel burning appliances, wood-stove, or an attached garage
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be within the time frame in manufacturer’s instructions (usually 7-10 years)
- Clear exit doors to the outside;
- Temporary wiring (extension cords that are used as permanent wiring);
- Clearance of combustibles to furnaces, hot water tanks and any other fuel fire appliance of not less than 1 metre all the way around;
- Willingness to produce a written fire escape plan with exterior meeting place for the premise;
- Ability to verbalize how the monthly fire drill will be held, one drill must be during sleep/nap time;
- Flexible metal piping being used for the dryer venting;
- Ensure sump pump is not congested with storage and is able to function freely;
- Appropriate venting for gas stove;
- Propane, flammable/combustible liquids;
- General fire hazards.
What happens during a fire inspection?
Fire Prevention Inspectors check buildings for possible fire hazards and compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
During an inspection, the Fire Prevention Inspector will look for:
- blocked exits
- damaged fire separations
- electrical problems
- improper storage of flammable liquids or gasses
- unsafe accumulations of combustible materials
- maintenance of fire safety equipment
- fire safety plans
- smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Property owners are responsible for keeping their buildings in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code at all times. Violations may result in charges.
When can a Fire Inspector enter a property?
The Fire Protection and Prevention Act allows an Assistant to the Fire Marshal to enter a premise at all reasonable times without advance warning or an appointment.
Landlords are permitted to enter tenant suites/space with 24 hours’ notice to assess fire safety concerns. In emergency situations, the 24-hour notice requirement is not applicable.
Fire Safety Plans
Fire Safety Plans are required, under the Ontario Fire Code, based on building use or occupancy types. Under the Ontario Fire Code (section 2.8.1.)
- Assembly occupancy or care or detention occupancy,
- Residential occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 10,
- Business and personal services occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300,
- Mercantile occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300,
- High hazard industrial occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 25,
- Medium hazard industrial occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 100,
- Low hazard industrial occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300
- Buildings containing 4 storeys or more, including storeys below grade
Provisions are not limited to above requirements. For a complete list, refer to the Ontario Fire Code Section 2.8
Failure to have a Fire Safety Plan for buildings which fit the above fire code types can result in being in violation with the Ontario Fire Code.
Questions?
Contact Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service
Telephone: 705-324-5731
Email: fireprevention@kawarthalakes.ca
