Jeroen Louwers

The City of Kitchener Fire Department applied to the Fire Safety Commission for an order authorizing it to complete work required by an Inspection Order issued to the respondent apartment building owner.

The respondent had failed to comply with the order and was convicted in the Ontario Court of Justice, receiving a Probation Order to remedy the deficiencies.

The parties submitted Minutes of Settlement agreeing that the respondent would complete the work by January 19, 2016, failing which the Fire Department would be authorized to do so.

The Commission found the measures necessary for fire safety and granted the order in accordance with the settlement.

The appellant appealed a Review Decision of the Fire Marshal upholding an Inspection Order that required the removal of excessive combustible materials from his property to ensure safe egress.

The appellant argued that the inspector did not have the right to enter the premises.

The Fire Safety Commission found that the inspector had full authority to inspect the property under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, having obtained a warrant.

The Commission accepted the respondent's evidence regarding the fire hazards and dismissed the appeal, confirming the order with an amended compliance date.

The appellant appealed an Inspection Order issued by the Burk's Falls and District Fire Department under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

The order required the appellant to comply with the Ontario Fire Code provisions for vehicle and scrap metal salvage yards, including organizing combustible salvage piles, draining gas tanks, and separating tanks and drums.

The appellant argued the property was a public garage and repair shop, not a salvage yard.

The Fire Safety Commission found that the property constituted a salvage yard in terms of fire safety and upheld the Inspection Order, concluding the measures were necessary to protect occupants and emergency responders.

The appellant appealed a Review Decision of the Fire Marshal's delegate that upheld an Inspection Order requiring the removal of excessive combustible materials from her residential unit.

The appellant argued that the 30-day compliance period was unfair given her health problems.

The Fire Safety Commission found that the excessive combustible materials created a severe fire safety hazard and that the appellant had been given ample time to comply.

The Commission upheld the order with specific directions for clearing combustibles and providing access to exits, setting a new compliance date.