Fire Code Commission Decision Summary
DECISION NO.:94A002-099
DATE:August 9, 1994
SUBJECT MATTER:
Removal of combustible materials.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:
The building is a detached house with one storey and a basement. Pictures were taken by the Etobicoke Fire Department of excessive accumulation of newspapers, both stored loosely and in plastic bags, throughout the house. The greatest accumulation was in the basement, recreation room, furnace room and bedrooms. Combustibles were also shown to be stored outside of the house. No engineering report was done for this property as the engineer for the Office of the Fire Marshal was denied access to the house.
REASON FOR APPEAL:
The time for compliance is insufficient.
APPELLANT'S POSITION:
Due to the amount of newspapers stored in the house, the poor health of his parents and the mental state of his brother, the appellant requires extra time to comply.
RESPONDENT'S POSITION:
The house contains excessive amounts of combustible materials piled in the furnace room, recreation room obstructing exit from the basement, bedroom, outside the house and the backyard such that a fire would endanger the occupants and the property.
COMMISSION RULING:
The Commission modified the order:
Option A
All newspaper and magazines must be removed from the following areas: furnace room, all stairways and landings, corridors and doorways and all exterior areas. The maximum accumulation of newspapers and magazines shall not exceed one cubic metre inside the house and garage.
Option B
If Option A is not complied with, standard sprinkler protection shall be provided inside the dwelling in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes. In addition, no newspapers and magazines shall be stored in the furnace room, all stairways and landings, corridors and doorways and all exterior areas. The maximum accumulation of newspapers and magazines shall not exceed one cubic metre inside the garage.
REASONS:
It is the opinion of the Commission that this work is required to ensure the fire and life safety of the property and occupants.
