Homeowners charged in Etobicoke fire that killed tenant

The owners of a multi-unit residential home have been charged with fire code violations following the death of a woman in a basement apartment blaze earlier this year.

Fire crews responded to a call around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 22 at a residence on Byng Avenue near Albion Road just north of Highway 401.

Toronto paramedics said a man in his 30s was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The woman was rushed to hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to her injuries.

READ MORE: 1 dead, 1 injured after house fire in Etobicoke

Toronto fire officials said the blaze was confined to the basement of the large home. Authorities said seven people were in the house at the time of the fire.

Investigators said the lower dwelling had several fire code violations including breaches in fire separations, absence of working smoke alarms and absence of fire-rated doors.

READ MORE: Owner and operator plead guilty in 2015 fatal rooming house fire

Tram Le and Trong Huu Din, both registered owners of the house, have been charged in connection with the woman’s death.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Penalties for fire code violations run up to $50,000 and/or a year in jail for individuals and up to $100,000 for a corporation.