Fire Code Complaints

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue’s Zero Tolerance Statement on Abusive Behaviour

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue takes fire safety and the experience of the public very seriously. In our interactions with property owners and the public, we strive to ensure that everyone is treated with fairness and respect.  

We are also committed to supporting a culture of respect and well-being for our employees by ensuring they have a safe and respectful working environment. To foster this, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue has zero tolerance for abusive behaviour towards our staff.

Abusive behaviour can be in any form (in writing, on the phone, in-person, etc.) and may include:

• Personal attacks or rude and disparaging remarks regarding Thunder Bay Fire Rescue employees
• Use of obscenities, profanities, degrading comments, insults, vulgar or sexist language, humiliating remarks or racial/religious slurs  
• Yelling
• Bullying behaviour
• Intimidation of any kind, as well as threats or acts of violence
• Persistent repetitive communications making unrealistic demands

Abusive behaviour constitutes grounds for Thunder Bay Fire Inspectors to modify how it interacts with the individual. Where necessary and in ongoing circumstances Thunder Bay Fire Rescue may choose to discontinue communications outright.

Ontario Fire Code Violations

TBFR Fire Prevention Officers can only enforce violations found under the Ontario Fire Code. These violations would include items such as maintenance of fire safety systems, smoke alarms, blocked exits, damaged or missing fire separations, missing or broken fire doors, serious electrical problems, improperly used or stored flammable liquids or gases, unsafe accumulation of combustible materials etc.

When filing your complaint on the attached form please keep this in mind:

• Provide the address of the complaint and any contact information you may have for the owner.
• We do not accept anonymous complaints, it is required that you provide contact information for yourself. Our Inspectors may need to contact you for more specific information or for access into the building. The identity of the complainant will not be released.
• If you have a concern about the building that you are living in, your landlord should be your first call. If you don't get a response in a timely manor please contact us right away. Do not wait until landlord/tenant issues arise. Your safety is our main concern.
• We will not be able to provide you with a letter or copy of the Fire Safety Inspection Report issued to the owner. This information can only be shared with the registered owner of the property.
• If you have issues with the building such as broken windows, appliances or services (water, gas, etc.) that don't work, leaking roofs etc., those will be addressed through the City of Thunder Bay Licensing & Enforcement Division. Property standards complaints can be forwarded to the By-law Customer Service Department at 807-577-6536.
• As Assistants to the Fire Marshal of Ontario, Fire Inspectors have the right of entry at any reasonable time without warrant for the purpose of inspection. We are not bound by the Landlord Tenant Act requirement of advance notice to enter. While we may make every effort to provide notice, it may not always be possible. Unless we require specific assistance, the property owner or manager will not enter with us, but will only allow us access.
• In most cases, the property owner will be given a reasonable amount of time to comply with any orders. Any issues that affect immediate life safety will need to be addressed immediately i.e.: lack of working smoke alarms, fire alarm or sprinkler systems not functioning, exits blocked etc. Please note: Intentionally disabling a smoke alarm is an offence under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. The property owner may have signed documentation from you that a working smoke alarm was installed when you moved into the home. If the smoke alarm has been disabled or intentionally damaged, you may be held accountable. The attached complaint form will be submitted electronically. If a complaint is received after business hours, your complaint will be dealt with on the next business day.

Submit a Fire Code Complaint