Following a February 22 fatal fire at 4 Byng Ave. that resulted in the death of a female tenant, property owners Trong Huu Dinh and Tram Le plead guilty in Provincial Offences Court to a Planning Act violation and multiple violations of the Ontario Fire Code on August 24.
Trong Huu Dinh was fined $1,000 for using a building for non-permitted purpose (Lodging House) contrary to the Planning Act and $34,500 plus a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge and court costs for numerous violations of the Ontario Fire Code; Tram Le received suspended sentences for the same violations. In addition to the fines, the court imposed probation orders against both owners for a period of two years; including additional terms not to operate any multi-unit residential occupancy unless the property is in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.
The cause of the fire at the unlicensed rooming house was determined by the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services to be accidental smoking.
“This terrible fire is a grim reminder that violations of the Fire Code in boarding, rooming and lodging houses can pose serious risks and result in tragic consequences,” said Jim Jessop, Deputy Fire Chief with the City of Toronto. “Toronto Fire Services is committed to ensuring appropriate measures are taken by property owners to achieve both compliance and fire safety; especially in non-complaint boarding, rooming and lodging houses.”
Toronto Fire Services continues to work to reduce risk through fire prevention and enforcement strategies against owners who fail to meet the Ontario Fire Code and jeopardize the safety of individuals and responding firefighters. Fire Services is committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are taken by property owners to achieve fire safety through compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
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