Fire protection company, owner, fined $300k for violating Alberta Fire Code

Premium Fire Protection Ltd., a company that installs life safety systems in Calgary such as fire alarm systems and sprinklers, has been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for violating the Alberta Fire Code.

The company agreed to pay $270k in fines and the president agreed to pay $30k in fines.

Several of the charges against the company, and the president, involving the alleged use of unqualified workers were dropped or withdrawn.

In a release, the city says the charges were the end result of an intensive investigation related to the installation of these life safety systems by unqualified and uncertified employees. Companies providing life safety system services are responsible for complying with all requirements of the Fire Code.

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Deputy Fire Chief Ken Uzloc says fire alarms and sprinkler systems are essential for managing a fire until firefighters can arrive on scene, noting some of these systems can extinguish fires outright.

“If these aren’t done properly, if they’re not done by trained and qualified and certified people, there’s a potential that they’re not going to work, right?” Uzloc said. “Therefore citizens and employees could be at risk.”

Uzloc says the city wants to send a strong message with the hefty fines.

“It demonstrates to these industry people that we’re serious about the adherence and the compliance with the code. Life safety systems are critical for the notification, response, and warning that they provide.”