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.