An Okotoks business is facing 65 charges for Alberta Fire Code violations.
The City of Calgary laid charges against life safety system provider Premium Fire Protection Ltd. and 10 of its employees, in addition to 15 charges against several large retail outlets that retained the business’ services, according to a statement released by the City.
The charges follow an intensive seven-month investigation by Calgary Fire Safety Codes Officers. The investigation is ongoing with the possibility of more charges being laid.
The violations are related to the installation of fire alarm and voice communication systems, portable fire extinguishers and special fire suppression systems by unqualified and uncertified persons, the release states.
“This is the first time The City of Calgary Fire Department has laid these types of charges under the Alberta Fire Code,” Calgary prosecutor Paul Frank said in a statement. “Our goals are compliance and public safety. We want to remind the businesses retaining services that it is their responsibility to verify that life safety system installers and inspectors are qualified and certified.”
The Alberta Fire Code is designed to protect the public, create compliance and deter businesses from unsafe practices.
“Violations of the Alberta Fire Code pose a serious risk to building occupants and responding firefighters,” says Ken Uzeloc, Deputy Chief, Calgary Fire Department. “The seriousness of the violations and the company operating in the area led the Calgary Fire Department to lay charges.
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