New fees rolling out for false alarm fire calls in Ottawa

Owners of buildings causing false fire alarms to Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) will now be fined.

On July 1, the City of Ottawa rolled out the deterrent to reduce false alarms or nuisance calls from buildings in the nation’s capital that happen when there is a lack of maintenance.

Last year, false fire alarm calls increased 14 per cent, this rise can be related to a lack of maintenance on fire alarm systems in buildings, the OFS’ annual report notes.

The new fees aim to reduce the number of false calls.

“Efficient call volume management enables Ottawa Fire Services to provide effective fire protection and timely emergency responses by reducing the total time from the moment a call for service is received to the moment staff arrive on scene,” the report reads.

As of July 1, owners of buildings can be hit with a $500 fee for the second offence, $1,000 for the third and $1,500 for any offences in the same calendar year after.

Only commercial, institutional, industrial or multi-residential properties will be subjected to the new fees. It won’t apply to alarms outside the owner’s control, like from accidents, weather or vandalism.