Charges are pending against a Woodstock homeowner following a structure fire where it was determined their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms did not meet Ontario fire code requirements.
The charges come after a blaze at 520 Ingersoll Ave. on Aug. 13 where firefighters quickly knocked down the fire in the basement of the townhouse and minimized damage to the entire 12-unit complex.
“Working alarms save lives, and we will continue to enforce the fire code requirements on owners, landlords, and tenants for as long as it takes for people to get this message,” said Acting Fire Chief Jeff Slager.
The Woodstock Fire Department is urging all residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms and to check the expiration date. In an evacuation, inoperative or expired smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death.
Lisa Woods, public information coordinator, said that a large number of homes in the community are not compliant with the fire code and that both the battery and hardwired smoke or carbon monoxide alarms need be replaced, as they do not last forever.
“Pressing the button ensures that alarms are electrically charged, this is important; however just as vital is the date on those alarms, which indicates the age of the unit and sensors,” said Woods.
If the date is over 10 years ago or you can’t find a date at all – replace your alarms immediately.
A 59-year-old Woodstock man is facing several charges for the fire including arson causing damage to property, breaking and entering and committing an indictable offence.
Link to original article in The Woodstock Sentinel Review: Fire code charges pending following recent blaze