An investigation into a fatal fire at the Bonnyville Hotel in 2010 has resulted in a Alberta judge recommending portable space heaters be banned from all hotels and motels in the province.
“The continued use of portable heaters in hotel or motel rooms, as a form of supplemental heating, even on a temporary basis, has put the public at risk,” wrote provincial court judge Kathleen Williams in her report released Oct. 14.
In the early morning hours of Dec. 17, 2010, a fire broke out on the third floor of the Bonnyville Hotel, which resulted in the death of 67-year-old Raymond Joseph Belanger.
A thorough investigation revealed that the use of a space heater was the cause of the fire, which prompted Williams' recommendation to prohibit the use of space heaters in hotels and motels, as well as require annual fire inspections be conducted in the buildings.
“A review of the (Bonnyville Fire Authority) records determined there were no inspections, interventions, complaints, emergency issues or other concerns relating to the Bonnyville Hotel during the seven years prior to the fire,” stated Williams.
The fire was the second hotel fire in nine years caused by a space heater, which resulted in death.
In 2005, a fire caused by a space heater at the Oyen Hotel resulted in the death of two people.
In both fires it was unclear whether or not the heater malfunctioned or if clothing and bedding were placed too close to the heater and caught fire.
After the Oyen Hotel fire a similar investigation resulted in a judge recommending yearly inspections by an accredited entity be conducted at all hotels and motels in the province.
The recommendations fell upon deaf ears, as no system of scheduled inspections of hotels and motels exists today. Currently, responsibilities for ensuring the Alberta Fire Code is upheld falls on municipalities. Inspections are only conducted when there is a complaint, request or emergency.
“I have been provided with no clear explanation as to why those recommendations have not been adopted, although it was speculated to be as a result of a lack of resources and personnel,” wrote Williams.
“With a second fire and a further loss of life, I am of the view this is not simply a matter of personal choice or comfort. It is a matter of public safety and that safety must take precedent when lives are being lost,” continued Williams.
Williams' seven-page report detailed the Bonnyville Hotel fire and concluded that all owners/operators of hotels and motels in the province are required to provide habitable accommodations, which has to include sufficient heating.
“To permit the use of portable heaters enables the owners/operators of such premises, particularly older premises such as the Bonnyville Hotel, to neglect their duty to provide sufficient heating,” wrote Williams.