Emergency Preparedness

July 15, 2026 Published by Golden Horseshoe Chapter - By Michele Farley

Fire Safety in Our Community: A Shared Responsibility

From the Volume 28, Summer 2026 issue of the CCI GHC Condo News Magazine

When it comes to fire safety, many people assume that someone else is taking care of it. In condominium communities, however, keeping everyone safe is a shared responsibility involving residents, condominium boards, property managers, and service providers.

Recent trends across Ontario show that fire code enforcement is becoming more stringent. Fire departments are issuing more inspection orders, notices of violation, and significant fines when deficiencies are identified. In some cases, individuals responsible for a building’s fire safety compliance have even faced jail time.

The reason is simple: fire safety requirements exist to save lives.

Who Is Responsible?

In condominium communities, fire safety responsibilities are often divided among several parties:

• The condominium corporation is responsible for maintaining common elements, coordinating required inspections and testing, keeping records, and communicating fire safety expectations to residents.
• Property management helps implement the building’s fire safety plan and ensures that maintenance and compliance activities are carried out.
• Contractors inspect, test, and service life safety systems such as fire alarms and sprinklers.
• Residents and unit owners are responsible for complying with community rules and maintaining any fire safety devices assigned to them under the declaration or bylaws.

Understanding who is responsible for what is essential to maintaining a safe community.

Communication Matters

One of the most common challenges identified during fire safety assessments is confusion about responsibilities.

In a recent review of a townhouse condominium community by our team, residents provided very different answers when asked who was responsible for maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Some believed it was their responsibility, others assumed management handled it, and some simply did not know.

The assessment uncovered outdated smoke alarms, missing carbon monoxide detectors, and maintenance concerns affecting fire safety features. The issue wasn’t a lack of caring—it was a lack of clear communication.

Once responsibilities were clarified and communicated, the community was able to address the deficiencies and establish a plan for ongoing compliance.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Working smoke alarms provide early warning and significantly improve the chances of escaping safely during a fire.

Unfortunately, fire investigations continue to demonstrate the consequences of nonfunctioning life safety devices. Following one fatal townhouse fire in Ontario last year, officials reported that the home involved did not have working smoke alarms. Inspections conducted afterward found additional units where smoke alarms were not functioning properly.

Testing and maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors may seem like small tasks, but they can make a life-saving difference.

Common Fire Safety Issues

Fire safety assessments in condominium communities frequently identify similar deficiencies, including:

• Fire doors that do not close or latch properly
• Damaged fire separations or missing fire stopping materials
• Incomplete inspection and maintenance records
• Combustible materials stored in inappropriate areas
• Fire safety plans that have not been updated to reflect current conditions or requirements

Most of these issues can be prevented through routine inspections, regular maintenance, and ongoing education.

Staying Current

Fire codes and testing standards continue to evolve, and the new Fire Code changes that came into effect January 1^st, 2026, have introduced new considerations for many condominium communities. This means that every condo community needs to review, and likely update, their fire safety plan to ensure it reflects the Fire Code updates that are relevant to their specific building.

Because every property is different, the impact of these changes will vary depending on the age, design, and systems within each building. Condominium corporations should have their fire safety plans reviewed periodically by a professional to ensure their plan includes any changes to the fire code. This is particularly important in years when a new version of the fire code has been released, like it has been in 2026.

Residents can help by staying informed and understanding their individual responsibilities.

What Can Residents Do?

Every resident plays an important role in maintaining a safe community. You can help by:

• Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as required;
• Reporting maintenance concerns promptly;
• Keeping hallways, exits, and common areas free from obstructions;
• Familiarizing yourself with the building’s emergency procedures; and
• Following any fire safety guidance provided by management or the condominium corporation.

Safety Starts with Awareness

Fire code compliance is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s an ongoing commitment to protecting our neighbours, families, visitors, and emergency responders.

Whether you are a resident, board member, property manager, or contractor, understanding your role contributes to a safer community for everyone.

By working together, communicating clearly, and addressing concerns proactively, we can help ensure that our condominium remains both compliant and, most importantly, safe.

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Michele Farley, CCI (Hon’s), LCCI
President & Senior Code Consultant
FCS Fire Consulting Services Ltd.