Fire inspection uncovers fire code violations at Sudbury Jail

Officials have issued a deadline for the Sudbury Jail to address fire-code violations, including blocked exits and untrained staff, following an inspection.

The superintendent of the Sudbury Jail has two April deadlines to address fire-code violations at the jail after Greater Sudbury Fire Services issued several orders following a March 20 inspection.

Greater Sudbury provided a copy of the report to CTV News, which included the fire code violations. But the city said it was unable to comment because the investigation is being led by the Ministry of Labour.

Code violations include a number of exits that were blocked or impeded by storage, which was discovered by senior prevention officer Les Hebert.

Storage racks were found at the bottom of stairs of an exit door; a door from shop area to an exit was blocked by a cabinet; an exit door was blocked with chairs, while another exit door was blocked with mops.

Lack of fire safety training

The inspection also found multiple exit signs burnt out and not illuminated, several fire extinguishers weren’t mounted properly in the staff room, men’s change room and in other rooms.

The inspector also reported that some staff did not receive training on the fire safety plan.

Jail superintendent Jeannie Bignucolo has until April 2 to remove clutter and storage from the blocked exits, and until April 24 to address the other fire code violations.

Correctional facilities in Ontario fall under the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

“The ministry will respond to identified concerns appropriately,” said spokesperson Brent Ross.

The Ministry of Labour did not respond to CTV’s request for a comment by our deadline.