Unattended cooking to blame for North Bay house fire, landlord fined

North Bay property owner fined over fire The owner of a rental property has been fined more than $1,000 for a lack of smoke alarms after a kitchen fire Tuesday.

The owner at a North Bay rental home has been fined and seven people displaced after a kitchen fire Tuesday.

"The outcome from the fire could have been far worse. There (were) no working smoke alarms in the home," North Bay deputy fire chief Greg Saunders said in an email Wednesday morning.

"As this residence was a rental, the owner of the property has been charged with three counts of failing to maintain smoke alarm in operating condition and further fire orders are pending."

That totals up to $1,080 in fines.

Fire crews were called to the Second Avenue West house just before 4 p.m. Nov. 19, Saunders said.

Thick smoke was coming from the front of the building and when firefighters entered, they were able to quickly put out the blaze in the kitchen area.

"The seven residents of the home were able to safely evacuate," Saunders said.

"One young lady was taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering some smoke inhalation. Several pets were removed to safety from the home by the on-scene firefighters."

Investigators have determined the fire was caused by unattended cooking and the kitchen has suffered "significant damage."

"In 2024, there is no excuse for not having smoke alarms that are properly located and properly maintained in every residence in the city," Saunders said.

"Working smoke alarms can provide you the early notification of a fire emergency that will allow you to get you and your loved ones to safely escape the danger. Working smoke alarms can save your life."

The displaced residents are being helped by the Near North Victim Services and the Red Cross.

Saunders said the fire prevention team will also be inspecting the property to ensure it meets the Ontario fire code.