Residents are being reminded of their rights as renters after a fire at a six-unit complex Wednesday morning.
Chatham-Kent firefighters were called to a complex on Sudbury Drive just before 8am.
Fire officials say a tenant living in the first unit called about heat coming through the upstairs' bathroom walls and ceiling. Flames were found in the attic but firefighters were able to put the fire out, preventing further damage.
During a routine check, fire officials say they discovered the unit didn't have working fire alarms. They later found that several other units had either expired fire alarms or alarms without batteries.
Officials say the rental properties are own and operated by the same person.
“It is very clear this incident could have been extremely serious or even had a tragic outcome, had the fire not been discovered when it was,” says Public Educator Whitney Burk in a media release.
The investigation is ongoing but the fire is deemed as accidental.
“Renters need to know their rights,” says Fire Inspector Scott Doman. “It is the landlord's responsibility to install and maintain working alarms. There is zero tolerance in Ontario for fire code violations.”
The fire department is reminding people that failing to comply with the fire code could result in a ticket or fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.