Ronny Katz

The appellant, owner of a retirement home, appealed an Inspection Order requiring the removal of bookcases, desks, and chairs (a library) from a second-floor hallway.

The appellant argued the space was designed for this use and did not impede egress.

The Fire Safety Commission confirmed the Order, finding that the corridor is a means of egress, the furnishings constitute an obstruction, and the books and furnishings are combustible materials not permitted in a means of egress under the Ontario Fire Code.

The compliance date was extended by two months.

The appellant tenant appealed a Fire Marshal Review Decision that ordered the removal of combustible materials from the basement of her residential building.

The appellant argued that the basement had ample space for storage and distinguished between 'storage' and 'accumulation'.

The Fire Safety Commission found that the basement was a service room containing a fuel-fired furnace, water heater, and electrical panel, and was not designed for the storage of combustible materials.

The Commission confirmed the Review Decision and amended the compliance date.

The appellant appealed an Inspection Order issued by Oshawa Fire Services requiring her to address the issue of two exit stairs being within a single fire compartment in her 5-unit residential building.

The appellant argued that physical limitations of the building, potential Building Code contraventions, historical context, and financial burden justified rescinding or amending the order.

The Fire Safety Commission found that the present use and occupation of the building was not in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and that the appellant's arguments did not justify rescinding the order.

The appeal was denied, but the compliance date was extended by 120 days.