North Perth Fire Truck (blackburnnews.com photo)North Perth Fire Truck (blackburnnews.com photo)
Midwestern

North Perth Deaths Lead To Fire Code Changes

Ontario Fire Code changes will restrict the use of heat producing devices on a building, such as those that sparked a fatal blaze at the Dollar Stop in Listowel 2011.

Two North Perth volunteer firefighers, 56-year-old Ken Rea and 30-year-old Ray Walter, died when the roof of the Dollar Stop collapsed on March 17, 2011.

Hot roofing materials ignited a smouldering fire between the roof and ceiling of the building, which eventually caused the collapse.  It is now law to ensure combustibles within 5m of a hot surface application be protected against ignition, and roof openings or building structures within 5m be covered or closed.  Bitumen kettles are not allowed to be located in a building or on the roof of a building.

An hourly firewatch is also required when an open flame torch or other ignition source is used during hot surface application and for three hours afterward.

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