Province Takes Steps to Improve Fire Safety Inspections

The province will inspect 17 hospitals and 131 schools with elementary students in the next six to 12 months to improve fire safety inspections in Nova Scotia.

The buildings planned for inspection were announced today, June 2, in a report to Nova Scotians outlining government's plan and progress in implementing the auditor general's recommendations.

"We have identified buildings that need inspections and will carry them out as quickly as possible," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More. "Our goal is to get the inspections completed and documented, and to ensure safety standards are maintained in this province."

Government has committed to act quickly on all 25 recommendations for the Office of the Fire Marshal in the auditor general's report, released May 18. Recommendations cover management information, monitoring fire inspection activities in municipalities, inspection, compliance and enforcement, and fire safety education.

"It is not acceptable that this situation was allowed over the last two decades and today we are taking the first of many steps to fix it," said Ms. More. "While buildings in the province have their own safety systems and processes in place, I will not be satisfied until I know that each and everyone of the auditor general's recommendations are implemented and we've made significant steps to improve fire safety in the province."

Today's progress report, action plan and list of hospitals and schools needing inspections can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/lae/ .

The Office of the Fire Marshall is responsible for oversight of fire safety in buildings and for safe storage of flammable and combustible materials. The office advises government and municipalities on fire-related matters, including fire protection systems and provides education on fire prevention to interested groups.