Ontario Fire Code Violations: Penalties and Practical Next Steps

A missing alarm, blocked exit or unresolved equipment fault deserves prompt attention. For Ontario owners and property managers, the priority is to address the hazard and follow any formal requirements that apply.

Different enforcement tools have different consequences

The Fire Protection and Prevention Act provides the enforcement framework. A ticket, an inspection order, a court summons and an administrative penalty are different documents. Read the document you receive, including its response requirements, compliance dates and review or appeal information.

For a conviction under section 28(1), the Act provides maximum fines of $50,000 for an individual’s first offence and $100,000 for a subsequent offence, with imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Corporate maximum fines are $500,000 for a first offence and $1.5 million for a subsequent offence. These are statutory maximums for the specified convictions, not automatic charges for every deficiency.

From January 1, 2026, Ontario Regulation 260/25 introduced an administrative penalty framework for specified contraventions. Municipalities have the option to use this additional tool. Confirm the process in the municipality concerned; an administrative penalty should not be confused with a fine imposed following a court conviction.

Common conditions that need attention

• Obstructed exits, corridors or stairs, and fire doors that cannot close properly.
• Missing, disabled or faulty required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Fire alarm troubles or other impaired fire protection equipment.
• Damaged, inaccessible or overdue fire extinguishers.
• Missing emergency lighting tests and unresolved failures.
• Unsafe combustible storage or overdue kitchen-system maintenance.
• Incomplete inspection records, training records or required fire safety plans.

The applicable duties are set out in the Ontario Fire Code. The required work depends on the building, equipment and condition.

Respond according to the hazard

Do not use a generic multi-day checklist as permission to delay an immediate hazard. Follow emergency procedures for an active fire or emergency. For impaired protection, contact the responsible qualified provider promptly and arrange any required notifications and alternate measures.

1. Record the finding and identify who has authority to arrange corrective work.
2. Clarify the required scope and deadline with the issuing official or appropriate adviser.
3. Arrange qualified repairs, access and coordination with affected service providers.
4. Keep records of work completed and any required retesting.
5. Track unresolved items and provide requested evidence through the stated process.

Correcting a condition does not automatically cancel a ticket, order or penalty. Follow the document’s instructions and obtain legal advice where a charge, dispute or appeal needs assessment.

Contact FC Fire Prevention for inspection, maintenance and deficiency follow-up. Our team can help document equipment work; the issuing authority determines its enforcement process.