CALGARY – Two Calgary homeowners have been charged for offences related to fires that started in illegal secondary suites.
The Calgary Fire Department investigations found multiple fire code deficiencies under the Safety Codes Act; a conviction under the act carries a maximum fine of $100,000 for a first offence.
The first fire took place on April 12 at 631 68 Ave N.W. One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital by EMS. The owners are charged with two counts of failing to ensure that the bedroom window meets Alberta Fire Code requirements, one count of failing to ensure there is an interconnected smoke alarm between suites, and two counts of failing to ensure there is proper fire separation in the secondary suite.
The second fire was on April 19 at 8412 Hawkview Manor Rd N.W. and there were no injuries. The owner is charged with two counts of failing to ensure that the bedroom window meets Alberta Fire Code requirements, one count of failing to ensure there is an interconnected smoke alarm between suites, and one count of failing to ensure there is proper fire separation in the secondary suite.
Charges were laid on May 13; both cases are set to be heard in provincial court on July 8.
“Owners of secondary suites are legally accountable for knowing and understanding their obligations under the Alberta Fire Code,” said fire marshal Ed Kujat with the Calgary Fire Department. “Tenants have a right to live in a safe home and to be protected under the Fire Code, regardless of whether the rental unit is a secondary suite or in a multi-family building.”
Secondary suites include basement suites or “mother-in-law suites” and refer to a space consisting of a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen on the same property as a single family home.
READ MORE: Secondary suite bylaw passes first reading
If you have questions about secondary suites, call 311 or visit calgary.ca/secondarysuites.
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