NDP call for ban on wooden fire escapes

News Release
NDP

QUEEN’S PARK - NDP MPP Michael Prue encourages the McGuinty Liberals to pass his Private Member’s Bill to ban wooden fire escapes in multiresidential dwellings and immediately implement interconnected fire alarms. Today, the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills will consider the NDP Private Members Bill entitled the Fire Protection Statute Law Amendment Act. The bill addresses concerns that arose from a tragic Queen St. East apartment fire in Toronto in January of 1999. The fire that killed two residents of the building was the subject of a Coroner’s Inquest in June of 2000. This inquest produced 28 recommendations for changes to the Ontario Fire Code, none of which have been acted upon by the McGuinty Liberals. Foremost among the recommendations was the need for interconnected fire alarms to be installed in building hallways with multiple rental units. Additionally, the Jury pointed to the fact that the Queen St. E. building’s wooden fire escapes had combusted during the fire, and therefore were unusable. “These provisions are just common sense. Interconnected fire alarms save lives, and wooden fire escapes should no longer exist in Ontario,” said Prue. The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, The Toronto Fire Chief, The Toronto Tenants Federation and the Coalition for Social Justice have endorsed the NDP bill that received all-party support.“ The bill will enhance public safety and prevent tragedies like this from ever occurring again,” said Chris Bardecki, Executive Officer with the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association. Toronto Deputy Fire Chief Frank Lamie echoed Bardecki’s support - “Early warning and a safe escape route are integral to making every resident safer,” Lamie said. “As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to provide the highest level of fire safety in Ontario. The McGuinty government has an opportunity to save lives by passing this bill,” Prue said.