# Montreal Doubles Fire Safety Fines to Enhance Public Protection New regulations target fire hazards and lithium-ion battery risks across the city. - **Source:** [La Presse](https://www.lapresse.ca) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d2da8992-b2ab-4f38-ad31-b7bbc6847d42 ## Stricter Penalties Implemented Montreal is doubling fines for fire safety code violations to strengthen deterrence. First-time offenders now face penalties up to $2,000, while repeat offenses can reach $5,000. For corporate entities, the maximum fine is set at $10,000. These measures aim to prioritize human life by strictly enforcing fire prevention standards across the city. ## Scope of Regulatory Changes The revision targets actions that impede evacuations or compromise fire protection systems. Prohibited behaviors include blocking emergency exits, using expired alarm systems, or overloading electrical circuits. These rules apply to residential and commercial properties alike, ensuring that safety infrastructure remains functional and accessible during emergencies as identified by recent municipal fire inspections. ## Lithium-Ion Battery Restrictions Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have surged by 195% in Montreal over the past two years. New rules prohibit charging these batteries in common areas used for evacuations. Furthermore, merchants are now restricted to selling only batteries officially homologated by Canadian accreditation bodies, aiming to reduce the risk of thermal runaway incidents. ## Safe Storage and Repair Damaged lithium-ion batteries must be stored immediately in specialized fireproof cabinets or outside buildings. DIY repairs or modifications are now strictly forbidden for citizens, with such work restricted to authorized industrial establishments. These regulations address the growing prevalence of batteries in everyday devices like e-bikes, scooters, and various portable electronics. ## Tourism and Housing Standards New fire safety provisions also target the growing tourist accommodation sector in Montreal. Managers are now required to install compliant smoke detectors in every sleeping room and submit formal fire safety plans. These steps ensure that short-term rental properties meet the same rigorous safety standards as traditional residential buildings within the city. ## Operational Impact and Enforcement City officials expect minimal additional costs for the municipal government, as the fire department will utilize existing resources for enforcement. The implementation will be gradual, focusing initially on voluntary compliance and public education. Officials emphasize that this preventive approach is designed to save lives rather than simply generating revenue through punitive measures. ## Human Error and Statistics Approximately 62% of fires in Montreal are attributed to human error, with one-third originating in kitchens. In 2025, 12 people lost their lives in fires across the city. Firefighters conducted nearly 18,000 inspections last year, reflecting a consistent upward trend in oversight efforts to mitigate risks associated with aging infrastructure and habits. ## Rising Emergency Service Demands Montreal firefighters responded to over 140,000 calls last year, a significant increase driven by an aging population and chronic health issues. Environmental factors, including extreme cold waves, spring floods, and heat episodes, also contributed to the high volume of interventions. These regulatory updates represent a proactive response to these complex challenges. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/grand-montreal/2026-11-12/securite-incendie-a-montreal/les-amendes-imposees-par-les-pompiers-vont-doubler.php?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=fil&utm_campaign=actualites — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._