Owners of southwest townhouse complex fined for fire code violations

Four people are recovering in hospital from smoke inhalation they suffered when their home caught fire early Thursday morning.

A property management company that was charged after a fire at a southwest townhouse complex sent several people to hospital last year has been fined over $32,000 for violating the Alberta Fire Code.

Emergency crews were called to a fire at Glenbrook Village in the 4900 block of 35 Avenue SW on October 30, 2014 at about 1:00 a.m.

Four people suffered from smoke inhalation and one had minor burns.

Officials say the residents were in bed when the fire broke out and that there were no working smoke alarms in the unit.

An investigation found that a second unit also did not have a working smoke alarm.

“Ensuring rental units meet the Alberta Fire Code is a priority for the Calgary Fire Department,” said Calgary Fire Marshal Ed Kujat. “All renters have a right to live in a safe home, protected under the Fire Code. Owners are legally accountable to understand and meet their obligations, as outlined in the Fire Code. If a rental property does not meet the standards of the Alberta Fire Code, it must not be rented.”

On Tuesday, W.R.E. Development (Calgary) Ltd., pleaded guilty to four charges under the Safety Codes Act for failing to ensure smoke alarms in the two units at the complex were properly tested and inspected.

“Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep,” said Kujat. “It is important to have at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, preferably in the hallway near your bedrooms to wake you in case of fire.”

W.R.E. Development has been charged with a $32,200 fine.