Brampton Landlord Jailed After Fatal Fire: Fire Code Lessons for Ontario Landlords
Brampton Landlord Jailed After Fatal Fire: Lessons on Illegal Units, Smoke Alarms and Fire Code Compliance
An Ontario landlord has been sentenced to jail after a Brampton house fire killed a pregnant woman and her three-year-old daughter. The fire broke out at 47 Jade Crescent on June 2, 2023, at about 11 p.m. Another family member suffered lifelong injuries.
Convicted on seven charges under Ontario's Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the landlord received 135 days in custody, two years of probation, $50,000 in fines and $10,000 in victim surcharges, according to the City of Brampton.
What the Charges Were About
Brampton Fire and Emergency Services laid the charges, which included offences related to fire separations and the installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Brampton's mayor called the deaths preventable, and Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg reminded every landlord in the province that they are legally responsible for installing smoke alarms and keeping them in good working order.
The Real Risk of Illegal Basement and Secondary Units
Unpermitted conversions often skip the fire protection that keeps tenants alive: proper fire separations between units, interconnected smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms near fuel-burning appliances, and a safe way out. When a fire starts at night, residents depend on early warning and the tools to fight a small fire or escape.
ABC Fire Extinguishers
Every rental unit and shared space should have a charged ABC extinguisher for furniture, paper, cooking-area and electrical fires.
Amerex B402X (5 lb)
A refillable 5 lb ABC extinguisher with a metal valve and wall bracket, ideal for basement apartments and secondary suites.
Class K for Tenant Kitchens
Where tenants deep-fry or cook with lots of oil, a wet chemical Class K extinguisher handles grease fires safely.
Ontario Landlord Checklist for Multi-Unit Homes
- Permits first: never add or rent a unit that hasn't been approved under the Building Code and Fire Code
- Smoke alarms: installed on every storey and outside sleeping areas, tested and maintained
- Carbon monoxide alarms: required near sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages
- Fire separations: walls, ceilings and doors between units must resist fire and smoke spread
- Fire extinguishers: charged, accessible, tagged and serviced every year
- Exits: every unit needs a safe, unobstructed way out
PASS Method: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
Protect Your Tenants and Your Property
Tesla Fire Systems supplies genuine Amerex fire extinguishers to landlords and property managers across Brampton, Toronto, the GTA and Canada. Call 416-535-9693 for inspections, smoke alarm and fire code compliance.
Order Online