Pubdate: Thu, 30 May 2002
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340
Author: Simone Blais

FIRE INVESTIGATION COULD COST LANDLORDS

Port Coquitlam is looking to fight fires with fines, hoping to deter 
landlords from renting houses to marijuana grow operators.

Owners of houses and buildings where illegal activity is taking place, such 
as grow-ops and methamphetamine cooking labs, could be fined $500 if a fire 
investigation is required.

Under a new fire protective services bylaw, which received approval in 
principle from council Monday night, the city will recover the costs of 
fire investigations.

Coun. Mike Bowen emphasized the wording of the section dealing with 
investigation cost recovery. "I wanted to make it clear than an innocent 
person who had a fire wouldn't have to pay $500," he said.

In the case of arson, staff told council that if the investigation proved 
the owners weren't responsible they would not be fined.

In a report to council, acting fire chief Stephen Gamble wrote "staff 
cannot handle the increased number of inspections and re-inspections 
brought on by development and more stringent fire codes."

Gamble went on to say that owners and occupiers of homes and offices aren't 
familiar with the B.C. Fire Code Regulations and fire prevention bylaw and 
usually don't know they're in violation.

The changes are intended as a deterrent, and some include costs for 
equipment replacement and handling of hazardous materials. The fire chief 
could charge an owner or occupant of a house for the replacement or repair 
of equipment either damaged or contaminated by a hazardous substance or 
dangerous good.

Fire investigation requests by insurance adjusters could also require a 
$100 fee be paid.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth