Courts Fine Business Involved in Royal Scot Fire

September 11, 2012

Bed Bug Task Force Ltd. has pleaded guilty to one violation of the Alberta Fire Code in relation to a July 2011 fire at the Royal Scot Condominium.

On July 12, 2011, Bed Bug Task Force Ltd. was exterminating bed bugs using a propane heater in a suite on the top floor of the 66-unit condominium building located at 92 Street and 105 Avenue.

Investigations by Fire Rescue Services revealed several alleged Fire Code contraventions in the manner which the extermination was carried out. Investigators determined that these contraventions likely contributed to the ignition and the rapid spread of the fire. As a result, Bed Bug Task Force Inc. was charged with four violations of the Alberta Fire Code.

In Provincial Court on September 10, 2012, Bed Bug Task Force Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count of conducting hot works in an area not free of combustible and flammable contents, contrary to Sentence 5.2.3.1.(1) the Alberta Fire Code. The Provincial Court of Alberta accepted a joint submission from the City Prosecutor and defence counsel and imposed a $10,000 fine. The remaining counts were withdrawn by the City Prosecutor.  

“The Royal Scot fire was preventable, posing needless risk to the public and emergency responders,” said Russell Croome, Deputy Fire Chief of Public Safety. “We rarely lay charges but took this action to hold those responsible accountable for failing to take safety precautions.”

“The majority of businesses and property owners are committed to protecting their tenants,” Croome said. “Edmontonians can feel confident that the City of Edmonton takes an active approach to ensuring public safety through education and enforcement.”

Two adult women and 2 children, a boy and girl, were injured during the Royal Scot fire, and 2 firefighters were injured by falling debris while fighting the fire. Investigators estimated the fire caused $3.5 million in damages.

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