Nearly a year after two children, their mother and a tenant died in a house fire, the Hamilton Fire Department has charged the two survivors.
They've both been charged with failing to notify the landlord that a smoke alarm in the unit was disconnected or broken, and for disabling a smoke alarm, said Chief Dave Cunliffe in a statement Tuesday.
The Office of the Fire Marshal conducted the investigation into the fire at 14 Derby St., on the Mountain, at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2022.
"It has been determined that there weren't working smoke alarms on all floors of the residence," Cunliffe said.
The fire began on a sofa on the main floor and had engulfed the home by the time firefighters arrived. They pulled out six people, including Khaleesi McIsaac, 7, Lambeau McIsaac, 8, and their mother Kassie Chrysler, 40, along with another adult, who all died. Two other adults survived.
Afterwards, Ontario fire marshal Jon Pegg told reporters that if fire alarms had been working, it could have allowed the victims crucial extra seconds to escape.
If convicted, the two tenants will face a maximum fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for up to a year, or both.
The Hamilton Fire Department did not release the names of the tenants and said it will not be providing any further comment as the charges are now before the court.