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Fire Inspections

Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Services Fire Prevention Division enforces the Ontario Fire Code. When a violation of the Ontario Fire Code is observed by the Fire Department, it is a chargeable offence at that time. It is the responsibility of the homeowner, business owner, building owner, etc. to ensure that a building is in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code at all times.

These violations include items such as maintenance of fire safety equipment, blocked exits, breaches in fire separations, damaged or broken fire doors and hardware, severe electrical problems, improperly used or stored flammable liquids or gases, unsafe accumulation of combustible materials, failure to implement a fire safety plan, etc.

 Complaint Inspection - Fire Safety Concern

If you have a fire safety concern, you can request a complaint inspection.

All personal information will remain confidential.
 Request for General Fire Safety Inspection

Request a general fire safety inspection.

Fees may apply.
 Sale of Property Inspection or File Search

Request a fire inspection for the purchase or sale of a property.

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.
 Foster Care

 Request a foster care fire safety 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.
 Licensing Requirements

Inspections are completed to meet licensing requirements for:

  • Daycares
  • Liquor licensing
  • Propane Risk and Safety Management Plans
  • Refreshment vehicles

Fees apply.
 Routine Inspections

Fire prevention staff complete regular inspections in buildings considered high risk. The Ontario Fire Code requires routine annual inspections of Vulnerable Occupancies including:

  • Nursing homes
  • Retirement homes
  • Group homes
  • Hospitals
 Fire Prevention Contact Information

Email the Fire Prevention Division

Phone: 705-324-5731 extension 545
 Rights of Entry
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.

 

Fire Prevention Inspectors enforce the Ontario Fire Code. You can request a general fire safety inspection or a fire inspection for the purchase or sale of a property.

If you have a Fire Code concern, you can request a complaint inspection. All personal information will remain confidential.

You may need to pay a fee to have an inspection.

Fire prevention staff complete regular inspections in buildings considered high risk. The Ontario Fire Code requires routine annual inspections of Vulnerable Occupancies including:

  • nursing homes
  • retirement homes
  • group homes
  • hospitals

Inspections are completed to meet licensing requirements for:

  • daycares
  • liquor licensing
  • foster care
  • Propane Risk and Safety Management Plans
  • refreshment vehicles

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

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