MOTEL PASSED INSPECTION TWO DAYS BEFORE FIRE
The Econo Lodge motel cleared an inspection by Prince George Fire Rescue two days before last week’s fatal fire, according to documents obtained by Vista Radio.
After finding seven shortcomings in a February 21 inspection, PGFR found they were all addressed in a subsequent re-inspection held July 6 and no further violations or areas of concern were noted. Concerns raised in the Feb. 21 inspection included a need for the fire alarm system to be tested and tagged annually.
The documents were posted on the outlet’s website on Thursday. Complaints that the fire alarm failed to go off during the July 8 fire at the 910 Victoria St. were raised and prompted the RCMP to launch an investigation into whether criminal negligence was committed.
About two dozen people got out safely but the bodies of three people were found. Investigators have found the fire was deliberately set and a coinciding arson investigation is ongoing.
In an interview with the Citizen, PGFR deputy chief Paul Knudsgaard said building owners must bring in an accredited servicing technician on an annual basis to check fire safety systems.
The motel’s owner, T.J. Khatrao, told Vista that Allpoints Fire Inspection Ltd. serviced the safety equipment but declined to comment further. Allpoints did not return a request for comment.
Other problems found in the Feb. 21 inspection included a need to test and tag the portable extinguishers and emergency lighting, to be sure the basement emergency exit is clear at all times, to maintain a one-metre clearance around the electrical panels, to post the building address at the entrance and to draft a fire safety plan.