Preventative Fire Safety: Why Inspections Matter

Fire safety is about more than responding to an emergency. For property owners, landlords, facility managers and business operators, preventing fires and ensuring fire protection systems remain operational requires ongoing attention, maintenance and professional inspections.

A building may appear safe during everyday use, but malfunctioning fire alarms, missing extinguishers, failed emergency lighting or damaged fire separations can leave occupants vulnerable when an emergency occurs. Identifying and correcting these issues before a fire breaks out is an essential part of responsible building management.

A Fatal Fire in London Highlights the Importance of Prevention

According to documents obtained by CTV News through a freedom of information request, a total of 13 Ontario Fire Code deficiencies were identified at 745 Dundas Street in London, Ontario, during inspections conducted in February 2025 and February 2026.

A fire inspection on February 5, 2025, identified 10 deficiencies. These included a fire alarm system that was not functioning properly, emergency lighting units that failed testing, a missing carbon monoxide alarm in a service room, holes in fire separations and missing or broken self-closing door devices.

Inspectors also identified two missing portable fire extinguishers and two extinguishers that had not received monthly inspections or servicing by a qualified technician since 2022. Smoke alarms in two units also required batteries.

A subsequent inspection on February 26, 2026, identified three additional deficiencies: a fire alarm system that was still not functioning properly, the absence of a fire watch while the alarm system was not functioning, and a fire safety plan that was not located in its designated lockbox.

The inspection order described a trouble indicator on the fire alarm panel, a silenced system, missing heat detectors throughout the building and a contractor's report indicating that the alarm was not fully functional.

On July 17, 2026, a fire broke out at the 13-unit residential building. A 29-year-old woman died, and two other people were critically injured.

Building owner Radium-1 Development Ltd. CEO Yaso Somalingam told CTV News that the deficiencies identified in the two inspection reports had been resolved before the fire. He maintained that he had worked with the city and fire department and believed the building was safe before the incident. The London Fire Department declined to be interviewed about the inspection orders because of an ongoing legal matter.

The reported inspection deficiencies should not be taken as proof of what caused the fire. However, the case illustrates why identifying problems, documenting corrective action and maintaining essential fire protection systems are important responsibilities for every building owner.

Read the original CTV News report for the full account.

What Can Go Wrong When Fire Protection Is Neglected?

Fire protection equipment is only useful when it is available and capable of performing its intended function. Even when equipment is installed, unnoticed faults, missing components or overdue maintenance can compromise its effectiveness.

Fire Extinguisher Inspections and Certification

Portable fire extinguishers require more than an occasional glance. They must be appropriate for the hazards present, accessible, in serviceable condition and maintained according to applicable fire code requirements and manufacturer instructions.

In Ontario, fire extinguisher maintenance includes routine visual inspections by building staff and periodic inspections by qualified technicians. Additional internal maintenance, recharging and hydrostatic testing may be required at specified intervals, depending on the extinguisher type and applicable requirements.

Tesla Fire Systems provides professional fire extinguisher inspections, recharge and refill services, and certification tagging. Our technicians can help identify equipment that requires maintenance, replacement or corrective action.

We service a range of extinguisher types for residential, commercial, restaurant, industrial and institutional applications. Onsite inspection services are available for buildings throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

Learn more about fire extinguisher inspections, refills, recharges and certification.

Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting Must Also Be Maintained

Fire extinguishers are only one part of a building's fire protection strategy. Fire alarm systems provide warning, while emergency lighting helps occupants find their way to exits when normal lighting or power is unavailable.

Building owners should ensure that these systems receive the testing, inspections and maintenance required for their property. Trouble indicators, failed tests, damaged components and other deficiencies should not be ignored or left unresolved.

When an alarm system is impaired, the appropriate interim precautions must be implemented in accordance with applicable requirements. Depending on the circumstances, these may include a fire watch until the system is restored.

Tesla Fire Systems provides fire extinguisher and emergency lighting inspections, as well as fire alarm system installation, repair and certification services. Our team can help property owners identify relevant service needs and arrange appropriate maintenance.

Explore fire extinguisher and emergency lighting inspections or learn more about our fire protection services .

Certified Fire Protection Equipment Helps Support Building Safety

Selecting suitable fire protection equipment is an important part of preparedness. However, even properly certified equipment cannot provide its intended protection if it is damaged, incorrectly selected, inaccessible or overdue for required maintenance.

Tesla Fire Systems supplies fire protection products for residential and commercial applications, including fire extinguishers, exit and emergency lighting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire alarm products, sprinklers, hoses, fire safety plan boxes and other fire safety accessories.

Our team can help customers identify equipment suited to their application and arrange relevant inspection, maintenance or installation services. Product selection should reflect the hazards present, applicable codes and manufacturer requirements.

Browse fire protection products or shop fire extinguishers .

Build a Preventative Fire Safety Routine

Property owners and facility managers can take several practical steps to help keep their buildings prepared:

• Schedule required inspections and testing for fire extinguishers, fire alarms and emergency lighting.
• Check that extinguishers remain accessible, properly mounted and visibly in serviceable condition.
• Address alarm faults, failed lighting tests and other reported deficiencies promptly.
• Keep fire safety plans, inspection records and service documentation accessible and up to date.
• Inspect fire doors and fire separations and arrange repairs when damage or deficiencies are identified.
• Ensure staff understand emergency procedures and know how to report fire protection equipment problems.
• Follow up on inspection findings to confirm that corrective work has been completed and documented.

Inspection schedules depend on the type of equipment, building occupancy, applicable regulations and manufacturer requirements. A single annual service visit does not necessarily replace every required inspection or test.

Professional inspections and maintenance help identify deficiencies and support fire code compliance, but no inspection can guarantee that a fire will never occur. Effective prevention also depends on sound building maintenance, hazard management and emergency planning.

Protect Your Building Before a Problem Occurs

Whether you manage an apartment building, condominium, office, restaurant, warehouse, retail space or industrial facility, preventative fire safety should be part of your regular maintenance plan.

Tesla Fire Systems provides fire protection products and professional services for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Our services include fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance, emergency lighting inspections, fire alarm installation and repair, fire alarm certification, and fire safety plans.

Our certified fire protection technicians can help you identify equipment and maintenance needs, address deficiencies and keep your fire protection systems ready for use.