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Fire Code Commission Decision Summary

DECISION NO.:92A012-079
DATE:April 3, 1992

SUBJECT MATTER:

Repair or demolition of a building.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:

The building is an abandoned 704 sq. ft. three storey plus basement residential structure with an attached 180 sq. ft. single storey "add-on" structure. Both structures are of combustible construction with wood floors, roofs and interior and exterior wall studs. The three storey structure has brick exterior walls, while the "add-on" has aluminum siding. The previous south side exterior stair egressing from the second storey to grade has been removed. An east side fire escape from the third floor is still in place. All building openings have been secured with waferboard (1/2 inch thickness maximum) or heavy wire screens. In some cases, the waferboard does not cover the entire window opening and would not be difficult to remove. The interior of the building has combustible debris strewn around most of the area, with fire and water damage confined to the east side of the three storey portion and throughout the single storey "add-on". The building has been unoccupied since sustaining the initial fire damage. Electrical service has been cut-off from the building at the hydro pole. A multi-tenanted residential dwelling is located 12 ft. away on the north side of this building.

REASON FOR APPEAL:

There is no need for the demolition of the building.

APPELLANT'S POSITION:

The appellant feels that the property is not liable to fire. Also, the time allowed in the order is insufficient to make repairs or demolish the building.

RESPONDENT'S POSITION:

The building is especially liable to fire and should be repaired or demolished with all resultant debris being removed from the property to ensure fire safety for the property and surrounding properties.

COMMISSION RULING:

The Commission modified the order as follows:

The owner shall carry out the following work:

  1. All exterior and interior furnishings, debris as a result of fire fighting efforts and the oil tank shall be removed from the site.
  2. The existing rear fire escape and the remains of the side stairway shall be removed.
  3. All exterior openings except the front door shall be completely covered with a minimum of 1/2" plywood material secured to the frames all around with minimum 2-1/2" screws.
  4. Exterior lighting shall be provided at the rear of the building to adequately light the backyard area.
  5. An alarm system shall be installed within the building consisting of a minimum of four ULC listed smoke detectors, one on each floor and the basement, directly connected to a central monitoring station.

REASONS:

The Commission also orders that the owner carry out inspections of the property on a regular basis and carry out any necessary repairs to the work of this order as soon as the need for such repairs is noted.

In addition, the owner and the fire department shall carry out inspections of the property no less than twice per year until the building is renovated for occupancy or demolished.

It is the opinion of the Fire Code Commission that this work is necessary to enhance the fire safety of the property and its surroundings.