A Trent Hills property owner has been fined $700 after an investigation into a residential fire revealed there were no working smoke alarms inside the rental unit.
The Trent Hills Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 158 Cromwell Street on January 16, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Occupants were reportedly still inside the unit when the call came in.
Thanks to the quick actions of nearby neighbours, the occupants were able to escape before firefighters arrived.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered flames coming from the second storey of the unit and immediately launched an offensive fire attack. Crews brought the fire under control and contained it to the unit where it originated, preventing it from spreading to adjoining residential units.
An investigation following the fire determined that there were no working smoke alarms inside the unit at the time of the incident.
The property owner, who had rented the unit to tenants, was subsequently charged under the Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Regulation 213/07, for failing to maintain working smoke alarms in operating condition.
The case proceeded before the Ontario Court of Justice, where the property owner was fined $700.
Fire Prevention Officer Brian Buchanan stressed that working smoke alarms are essential to protecting occupants, particularly in rental properties.
“Working smoke alarms provide an early warning that can give occupants the critical time they need to escape a fire safely,” Buchanan said.
“Every residential occupancy is required to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Property owners and landlords have a responsibility to ensure the required smoke alarms are installed and maintained in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in charges and fines.”
Buchanan also reminded residents that simply having smoke alarms installed is not enough. They must be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Fire Chief Shawn Jamieson commended firefighters for containing the blaze and preventing further damage to neighbouring units.
“Our firefighters did an excellent job of bringing this fire under control and containing it to the unit where it started,” Jamieson said.
“In a building with adjoining residential units, a fire that spreads beyond its point of origin can have devastating consequences for occupants, neighbouring properties and the surrounding community. The quick actions of the neighbours and the effective response by our firefighters helped prevent this incident from becoming much more serious.”
The fire serves as a reminder of the responsibilities landlords and property owners have to ensure their buildings meet fire safety requirements.
The Trent Hills Fire Department also urged residents to notify their landlord or property owner promptly if they discover a smoke alarm or other fire safety device is not working properly.
Residents are reminded to:
- Install smoke alarms on every storey of their home or residential unit and outside all sleeping areas, as required by the Ontario Fire Code.
- Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries or alarms as needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replace smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Develop and practise a home fire escape plan so everyone knows how to get out safely and where to meet outside.
Landlords must ensure required smoke alarms are installed, maintained and operational in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code, including before new tenants move in and throughout the tenancy.
A working smoke alarm can provide the early warning occupants need to escape a fire safely.
Working smoke alarms save lives. Don’t wait until it’s too late — test yours today.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
