Yesterday, Kingston Fire and Rescue responded to two separate fires that broke out in multi-unit residential buildings, leaving several individuals injured. One fire occurred on the 700 block of Montreal Street, resulting in an adult woman and her two children being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, another fire on lower Russell Street left an adult male in serious condition. Currently, investigators from Kingston Fire & Rescue and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office are on-site, working to determine the cause of the fires.
These incidents come in the wake of a structure fire near the intersection of Montreal Street and John Counter Boulevard earlier this year. In response to the incident, the City of Kingston has taken decisive action to proactively address safety concerns in multiple rental properties across the city. Over the past two months, extensive inspections have been carried out at numerous identified high-risk properties to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
To address violations discovered during the inspections, the City has initiated appropriate enforcement actions such as issuing orders and implementing measures to rectify immediate threats. Collaboratively, Kingston Fire and Rescue, City staff, and the Housing and Social Services Department are actively engaged in addressing tenant health and safety concerns, providing necessary services and support where needed.
Brad Joyce, the Commissioner of Transportation & Public Works, emphasized the City’s unwavering commitment to the safety of the community. “The safety of our community is of utmost importance,” he stated. “The City is dedicated to ongoing efforts to enhance residents’ access to safe and properly maintained housing.”
As investigations into Tuesday’s fires continue, the City urges residents who are renting and experiencing unresolved problems with their landlords, superintendents, or property owners to report property deficiencies promptly. Reports can be made by contacting Property Standards at BylawEnforcement@CityofKingston.ca, by calling 613-546-4291 ext. 3135, or submitting a report online.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Read More: Multiple Fires Prompt City to Ramp Up Safety Measures for Rental Properties