Due to a number of fire code violations, a southside apartment building has recently been closed by the City of St. Thomas and the St. Thomas Fire Department.
Chief Fire Prevention Officer Kim Destun advises there were significant fire and life safety concerns in the 23-unit apartment building.
As a result, the St. Thomas Fire Department was granted the authorization to close the property under the authority of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
Destun tells myFM why the move was taken by the fire department, in conjunction with the city.
Destun added city staff and employees from Thames Valley CMHA are supporting tenants who have been displaced.
She outlined the strategy the fire department employs to ensure building owners are compliant.
Destun outlined the obligations of landlords when renting to tenants.
She stressed, “the city and the St. Thomas Fire Department are committed to protecting our residents and being the voice of our vulnerable citizens.”
