“Unfortunately, the death toll from fires is still too high. Although efforts to promote fire safety have been increased over the years, we find that there are still too many citizens who remain indifferent. The new by-law will bolster our efforts by establishing regulations that clearly define the responsibilities of citizens, whether they are property owners, tenants or corporations, with respect to their own safety and the safety of others,” said SIM Director Serge Tremblay.
Dorval is involved in this matter
“The City of Dorval is also involved in this matter, as it has recently adopted its own by-law on fire prevention, complementary to the one by the SIM. We all know how dangerous fires can be, and that is why these steps have been made: to improve the protection and safety of Dorval residents,” explained Dorval Mayor, Edgar Rouleau.
The enforcement of the local by-law concerning fire prevention is an agglomeration matter, and therefore falls under responsibility of the SIM.
About the New By-law
Adopted by the Agglomeration Council on January 26, 2012, the by-law concerning the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal responds to the objectives of the Fire safety cover plan for the agglomeration of Montreal. It defines the responsibilities of the fire department and establishes the authority that is required to fulfill them on the entire Island of Montreal. In particular, the regulations establish essential minimum standards for the maintenance of fire protection equipment and systems. The by-law also includes rules concerning the use of smoke alarms:
The owner of a dwelling must install at least one smoke alarm on each floor level and replace it a no later than 10 years after their manufacturing date.
The resident of the dwelling must provide routine maintenance of the smoke alarm, including changing batteries as necessary.
Condominium and apartment building owners must maintain a record of the annual smoke alarm inspections and of the building’s fire alarm system inspection.
For more details on the by-law concerning the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal, visit the SIM website at ville.montreal.qc.ca/sim, under the tab “Règlements”. To consult the by-law of the City of Dorval on fire prevention, please visit www.city.dorval.qc.ca.