​​​Working smoke alarms save lives, and property owners are responsible for ensuring they are installed and working

​BRAMPTON, ON (August 11, 2026) – Following the conclusion of an investigation and court proceedings related to the fatal 2023 fire at 47 Jade Crescent, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) is reminding property owners of their responsibility to follow Ontario’s Fire Code and ensure required smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed and working to help prevent future tragedies and save lives.

The residential fire occurred on June 2, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., which tragically claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and her three-year-old daughter while another family member continues to live with lifelong injuries. The community continues to mourn the lives lost and extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

The investigation found the property, originally registered as a legal two-unit Additional Residential Unit (ARU) dwelling, had been converted into four units without the required permits. The additional units were subsequently rented despite not meeting applicable Ontario Building Code and Fire Code requirements, putting occupants at serious risk. These violations were identified following the fatal fire at the property. 

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services laid charges against the property owner under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, including offences related to fire separations and the installation and maintenance of smoke and CO alarms. As a result, the property owner was convicted on seven charges and sentenced to:

• 135 days of consecutive custody related to the smoke and CO alarm offences;
• $50,000 in fines, plus $10,000 in victim surcharges; and
• two years of probation, including a condition that the property owner not commit the same offence or any related or similar offence, or any offence under a statute of Canada or Ontario or any other province of Canada that is punishable by imprisonment.
  

Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives

Every second counts in an emergency and working smoke alarms provide critical early warnings that can increase the chance of surviving a home fire by up to 50 per cent. Carbon monoxide alarms provide critical early warning of CO, an invisible, odourless and potentially deadly gas. Required smoke and CO alarms must also be properly installed, tested and maintained.

Recognizing how important these life-saving devices are, Brampton City Council introduced the Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program to help strengthen safety and accountability in rental housing. The program reinforces landlords’ responsibilities to meet applicable fire and life-safety requirements, including ensuring required smoke and CO alarms are installed, maintained and working.

As part of the program, landlords who obtain an RRL licence are eligible to receive a free battery-operated smoke alarm from Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, helping put this essential life-saving device into more rental homes across Brampton.

Residents are urged to register their rental property to protect tenants and help make Brampton’s rental homes safer. Visit brampton.ca/RRL​ to register a property, learn more about the program and access resources and guides for landlords and tenants.

Know the Ontario Fire Code

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services reminds residents, landlords and property owners of changes to Ontario’s Fire Code that came into effect January 1, 2026, including expanded carbon monoxide alarm requirements.

For houses where CO alarms are required, alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area and on every storey of the home, including storeys without sleeping areas. CO alarms are required in homes with:

• a fuel-burning appliance, such as a furnace, water heater or stove using natural gas, propane, oil, wood or another fuel;
• a fireplace;
• an attached garage; or
• heating supplied by air from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home.
  

Additional requirements apply to existing multi-unit residential buildings and care occupancies.

Property owners and landlords are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements that apply to their properties. To learn more, visit bramptonfire.com.  ​ 

Quotes

“The loss of a mother and her young daughter is a tragedy our community will not forget, and our thoughts remain with their family and loved ones. While no investigation or court outcome can undo this profound loss, this tragedy is an important reminder of why fire safety requirements exist. Working smoke alarms save lives, providing critical early warning and precious time to escape. Every Brampton resident deserves to feel safe in their home, and property owners have a responsibility to ensure required smoke alarms are installed, maintained and working. Through our Residential Rental Licensing Program, we are ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities and make rental homes safer for residents across Brampton.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“This tragic incident underscores the importance of following Ontario’s Fire Code and ensuring working smoke alarms are installed in every home. These requirements exist to protect lives and give people critical time to escape when a fire occurs. I urge residents to test their smoke alarms regularly and property owners to know and follow the legislation. Those who violate the legislation and put lives at risk will be held accountable.” - Andy Glynn, Fire Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services

​“On behalf of the Office of the Fire Marshal, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragic loss of life. This incident is an important reminder to every landlord and property owner in Ontario that they are legally responsible for ensuring required smoke alarms are installed and maintained in working condition. Working smoke alarms save lives by providing critical early warning when every second counts. Knowing and complying with Ontario’s Fire Code is essential to keeping people safe in their homes.” - Jon Pegg, Fire Marshal of Ontario​

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